Bottled Water Facts

Bottled water facts
Updated: 23 September 2008

1
Staying hydrated on the move
An active adult needs 2 litres of fluid each day to stay hydrated. When out and about, people are choosing bottled water for this intake. Almost a third of bottled water is consumed “on the move” (Source: World Health Organization; Zenith International)
2
A replacement for hot, soft and other drinks
Over 50% of UK bottled water consumers are drinking bottled water rather than hot, soft and other drinks. In the UK, a reduction in the sales of traditional soft drinks has been matched by a similar rise in bottled water consumption (Source: GfK NOP; Zenith International)
3
A minimal carbon footprint
Bottled water accounts for just 0.05% of the UK’s carbon emissions and, per litre, emissions are falling further through use of lightweight bottles, improved refrigeration, better recycling rates, and more efficient transport (Source: Centre for Environmental Strategy; Zenith International)
4
Free from man-made chemicals
97% of bottled water is naturally sourced, not treated with man-made chemicals. 36% of bottled water consumers choose it for improved taste, whilst a further 23% buy bottled water for its “naturalness” (Source: Zenith International; GfK NOP)
5
Putting more back into society
Bottled water companies have taken a lead on charitable actions. For example, by the end of 2008, around one and a half million people in the developing world will have access to clean drinking water through these projects (Source: Zenith International)
6
Sustaining pristine landscapes and rural jobs
Many bottled water firms are rural-based, providing much needed jobs in these communities. Around 4,500 people are employed in the industry, by companies who manage catchment areas to maintain and enhance the purity of the water source (Source: Zenith International)
7
Bottled water: a supplement to tap water
The average Briton drinks 10cl of bottled water each day, compared with a little under 2 litres of tap water (including water used for hot drinks). 89% of bottled water consumers are not drinking bottled water as a replacement for tap water (Source: Zenith International; Waterwise; GfK NOP)
8
Ever-increasing recycling levels
Plastic bottle recycling increased four-fold between 2004 and 2006 as local authorities introduced more and improved recycling schemes. Demand is now being driven by the use of recycled PET in water bottles (Source: WRAP)
9
Food miles: far less than you expect
Around three-quarters of bottled water is sourced from the UK, often from sources close to the point of consumption, whilst most imported water comes from France, often transported by carbon-saving electric rail or sea (Source: Zenith International)
10
Saving water in a water scarce world
To produce 1 litre of orange juice, around 850 litres of water is used. In contrast, a litre of bottled water takes just a few litres, a level less than most hydration alternatives (Source: UNESCO-IHE)