Naya Natural Spring Water recently announced the launch of a bottle that’s made from 100% recycled plastic – an achievement seven years in the making.
Seven years of R&D is a long time. Can you break down the process you went through in order to reach the 100% milestone?
Pierre Ladouceur: Seven years ago, Naya decided to investigate into the production of a more environmentally friendly bottle made of recycled plastic. There were four major challenges in developing this bottle:
So, in 2008, Naya launched a bottle made of 25% recycled plastic; in 2009, a bottle made of 50% recycled plastic; in 2010, a bottle made of 100% recycled plastic, thus enabling Naya to use ‘No new plastic’.
How long was the Health Canada approval process?
Ladouceur: Because Naya progressively launched a bottle with first 25%, then 50% and now 100% recycled plastic, Naya has worked closely with Health Canada, so the final approvals were relatively easy to get.
Will you use the bottle for just your own water, or are you considering other business opportunities?
Ladouceur: There are no plans presently to use this technology for other brands (or house brands), but it’s not excluded that Naya could envision to produce this bottle with other brands who care for the environment just as much.
How do you think marketing the new bottle will help sales outside of Canada?
Ladouceur: The initial reception of this new technology has been excellent, so Naya expects that sales will increase in Canada and in other countries. We’ve already been approached to increase our listings in the US.
I understand you have something called the Naya Waterways Fund. What percentage of company revenue is given to the fund?
Ladouceur: Back in 2007, Naya committed to investing 1% of its annual revenues to programmes whose missions are to protect the environment. In that regard, Naya created the Naya Fund to revitalise rivers and streams. The Fund is managed by the Fondation de la Faune du Québec, which is a credible organisation run by the state.
This is an extraordinary achievement. Where does this leave your exhausted R&D team? Are they all pleased to take a break?
Ladouceur: Au contraire. While being extremely proud of its new development, Naya recognises that it must continue to research for a bottle that will leave an even smaller environmental impact. While a major achievement, Naya recognises it must continue to research better packaging.
Shaun Weston is editor of FoodBev.com
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