Alternative to single-use bottles
ONE of the largest water bottling companies in the country has plans to make all plastic bottles from 100 per cent recycled plastic (rPET) by 2025, with 20 per cent rPET in bottles next year.
“The transition to 100 per cent rPET is the cornerstone of our comprehensive approach to sustainability,” said Elizabeth Stephenson, president of FIJI Water.
“Environmental sustainability and the preservation of nature is critical to our wellbeing on this planet.
“As one of the world’s leading source waters, we believe the best things come from nature, and are dedicated to taking steps to protect the environment today and for generations to come.
“Recycled plastics are one way to ensure that we are participating in the circular economy, encouraging recycling and reuse.”
In a statement yesterday FIJI Water External Affairs & Community Engagement director Geoffrey Smith said FIJI Water would further reach its sustainability goals through new packaging innovations and plastic reduction that advance the independent brand beyond pledges made by the largest global beverage companies.
According to the statement as an alternative to single-use bottles, FIJI Water will introduce a new 2.5-gallon packaging option for the refrigerator or counter and a five-gallon option designed to fit in a standard hot and cold water dispenser.
Mr Smith said both options would use up to 76 per cent less plastic — in the case of the five-gallon option, an estimated equivalent of 38 fewer 500ml bottles.
He said prior innovations had also already removed a significant amount of the plastic in bottles since 2008 while continuing improvements in the current bottles and packaging would be implemented with the specific aim to further reduce the amount of plastic used across the entire line.