August / September 2010 Bottled Water Reporter - 5

Bottled Water is…
Healthy. Bottled water, because of its consistent safety, quality and taste, is an important and healthy consumer alternative to other beverages in helping combat the increased rates of diabetes and obesity. Bottled water provides healthy choices that are safe, convenient and meet our desire for good tasting water at home and on-the-go. Safe. Bottled water is one of thousands of beverage and food products sealed in safe, sanitary containers, which may be made from plastic or glass. Plastics (and all other materials) used for contact with foods or beverages must be approved by the FDA to help ensure their safety. The materials used in all bottled water containers are shown to be safe through extensive and rigorous testing. Important. In times of emergencies or disasters such as floods and hurricanes, bottled water companies respond with efficiency and speed to provide bottled water in coordination with relief operations. The bottled water industry provides millions of bottled water servings in response to natural and man-made disasters each year. Strictly-regulated. Bottled water is a packaged food product regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which requires bottled water to comply with bottled water-specific standards, as well as regulations required of all food products. Each type of bottled water – spring, purified, mineral, sparkling, artesian, or distilled – carries with it specific FDA definitions and standards. Many times, bottled water is subject to further state standards and other requirements set by the International Bottled Water Association. Some bottlers use municipal water as a source; but it is further purified and not just tap water in a bottle. Environmentally conscious. While nearly all industries use natural resources to manufacture their products, the bottled water industry is particularly efficient and making significant progress to further reduce its environmental impact. The amount of water used for bottled water production accounts for less than 2/100 of a percent (0.02%) of the total ground water withdrawn in the United States each year, according to the Drinking Water Research Foundation.

Local. More than 60 percent of the International Bottled Water Association’s membership is made up of small businesses with annual sales of less than $2 million and a few employees. The overwhelming majority have sales of less than $10 million. Your local bottler is most likely a family entrepreneur with deep roots and strong ties in your community.

By the numbers…
32.6: The percentage, in average gram weight, that the standard 16.9 ounce “single serve” bottled water container dropped by from 2000 to 2008. The average bottle weighs 12.7 grams. 1.3 bILLIon: The pounds of plastic resin that has been saved by the bottled water industry through container light-weighting. 169 mILLIon: Amount, in tons, of the total U.S. Municipal Solid Waste stream in 2007 0.33: Percentage of the total U.S. waste stream that is made up of water bottles. 0.08: Percentage of the total United States greenhouse gas emissions that can be attributed to small pack and “water cooler”-sized bottles. 30.9: Percentage of plastic water bottles recycled in 2008, the highest percentage for any beverage container. 23.4: Percentage of plastic water bottles recycled in 2007. Data: Beverage Marketing Corporation, Franklin Associates

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August / September 2010 Bottled Water Reporter

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of August / September 2010 Bottled Water Reporter