As part of an ongoing sustainability journey, we are so pleased to reveal that South Downs Water is set to become one of the first bottled drink suppliers to use packaging made from 100 percent recycled plastic – half a decade before multinationals are likely to achieve the same.
From March 2020, South Downs Water’s plastic bottle lines (330, 500ml and sports cap) will be manufactured from 100 percent recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) – a material created by recycling previously used plastics, including plastic bottles, and has the lowest possible carbon footprint to produce and transport of any packaging.
Importantly, the switch to 100 percent rPET ensures that plastic, a resource that is already in more-than-plentiful existence, is re-used and remains in a closed loop system and out of our oceans, rivers and countryside.
Will Windsor, South Downs Water Managing Director, said: “The introduction of bottles made from 100 percent rPET is something that South Downs Water is very excited about.
“Whilst there has been a general shift away from single use plastics, the need and demand for these bottles still exists and it has been our mission to invest in options that are kindest to our planet and, importantly, use existing resource already in circulation rather than create any new materials.
“When there is a need for a single-use bottle, and a South Downs Water bottle is used, consumers can be assured that they are buying and using the best, most planet-friendly product available. When recycled and manufactured correctly, 100 percent rPET bottles have the lowest carbon footprint of any packaging option.”
“To implement such a change is never easy or straightforward and the team has spent a great deal of time working hard behind the scenes to make it happen so it’s fantastic to see our plans come into fruition this March.”
Alongside 330ml and 500ml rPET bottles, both still and sparkling South Downs Water is also available in glass bottles. Later in 2020, South Downs Water will be extending its offering to include canned water product line.
Not all plastic is equal
As part of its ongoing campaign ‘Think globally, act locally, recycle responsibly’ South Downs Water will be looking to spread the word and help to educate the wider community about rPET plastic and crucially, is looking to highlight the importance recycling.
A pivotal time
The introduction of 100 percent rPET comes at a pivotal time in South Downs Water’s sustainability journey and we are encouraging people to think globally, act locally and recycle responsibly to ensure our beautiful South Downs will be here to enjoy as they are for generations to come.
Last year, its Greener Delivery initiative was introduced and minimum order numbers increased in an effort to reduce delivery footprint. South Downs Water’s supply chain also uses fully recyclable materials including its shrink wrap, pallets and pallet wraps.
And we’re not ending here. With further innovations in the pipeline, keep an eye on our channels to hear the latest updates, product launches and follow our ongoing sustainability journey.
