The brands making on-the-go water more sustainable
As you read this, billions of litres of bottled water are being shipped halfway across the world and millions of plastic drink containers are sold every day. Consequently, the drinks industry contributes to 34% of manmade greenhouse gasses. This is increasingly becoming a problem for the food-to-go–sector as more consumers are becoming aware of their plastic consumption through everyday essentials, like water.
The idea of refillable water bottles surged in popularity, but since the pandemic, the more hygienic option of disposables has creeped its way back into people’s baskets. And for some industries – like events and festivals – selling packaged water is the only option for thirsty consumers. But since we’re experiencing an increased focus on environmental issues, many businesses are starting to embrace innovation and re-evaluate their options when it comes to product packaging and a more sustainable business model.
So, what are these brands doing to make water-consumption healthier for the planet?
Offsetting
Some water brands are taking an ‘offsetting’ approach. This means reducing their carbon footprint by becoming ‘carbon neutral’, specifically by planting trees and donating to charities and funds already combating climate change.
Transport
Some brands are trying to find greener ways to transport their products to cut back their carbon emissions, for example, choosing eco transportation by investing in hybrid or electric lorries. The World Economic Forum has reported that where electric vehicle adoption is mandated, there could be as much as a 60% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by 2030. But generally, local brands score better in terms of sustainability and transportation as they are coming from local factories.
Packaging
Plastic takes over 450 years to decompose, so brands such as Cano Drinks (exhibiting at this year’s lunch!) use aluminium packaging instead. Drinks sold in can form are becoming increasingly popular as they are easier to recycle, plus research shows that aluminium doesn’t lose quality over time, making it more effective for mass production.
Recycled Materials
Recycling can sometimes be a bit of minefield for the average consumer, but for businesses, using this recycled material to create their goods helps to reduce the need to source raw materials and make MORE plastic (which is great because it’s often made from fossil fuel hydrocarbons). Some may argue that recycled plastic may lose quality over time, however advancements in chemical recycling is leading to better quality recycled materials fit for purpose. Luckily more brands are heading towards a more circular economy – even companies like Evian (Danone) announced that all its mineral water bottles will be made from recycled plastic by 2025.
On the whole, drink brands are increasingly committing their efforts towards a more sustainable future, thinking of new ways to sell a simple, yet highly consumed, product by carefully reducing carbon emissions long-term. Many of these brands will be at lunch! this year… so, here are a few to meet when the show returns to ExCeL London on 14-15 September:
Cano Drinks Ltd – is the contemporary water brand that come in cans (made from 50% recycled content) and resealable lids. The resealable lid is separated from the can during the recycling process, so it’ll be recycled or incinerated within a controlled environment. The best bit? The waste energy powers the recycling process (on stand L741).
Carpathian Springs SA – is presenting AQUA Carpatica, which comes deep from the Carpathian Mountains, an ancient land, and the water is sold in 100% recyclable packaging (on stand L651).
OHMG – Every can of OHMG contains 60mg of Magnesium and infused with fruit extracts, flavours and botanicals. It comes in aluminium cans to make it easily recyclable (on stand L1131).
Radnor Hills Mineral Water Company – is showcasing its range of sparkling flavoured drinks made in 100% recyclable bottles/cans and made up of 30% recycled materials. Radnor Hills have invested in an entire recycling facility on-site to manage waste to ensure absolutely nothing goes to landfill (on stand L620).
Actiph Water – Europe’s leading alkaline ionised water is supercharged to a pH of 9+ to take hydration to the next pH level and comes in a 100% recyclable bottles (on stand L749).
Global Ethics – is exhibiting One Water, a carbon neutral water which also helps to end water poverty. One Water has a simple message: a world in which everyone has access to clean and safe water. Forever (on stand L1142).
The Refreshing Drinks Company – are a new generation of drinks that aren’t full of sugar and come in aluminium cans. They are launching The Dr Funk’s Immune Edition, in Lemon and Elderflower (on stand L792).
Sauce Connections – is showcasing Re:Water that comes in a 100% recycled aluminium Spring Water bottles, filled with pure British Spring Water, and bottled at source on protected land in the UK (on stand L710).
Book a stand today
If you are considering exhibiting your water brand, lunch! is the must attend event for the food-to-go sector. At the show, you will have the opportunity to speak to quality buyers and network with other brands in your sector.
If you would like to book a stand, please contact one of our sales team today:
Annie Lindsell, Event Manager
[email protected], Tel: +44 (0)1273 645 164
Vicki Balfour, Sales Executive
[email protected], Tel: +44 (0)1273 645 166
lunch! takes place on 27-28 September 2023 at ExCeL London and is co-located with Casual Dining and Commercial Kitchen.
