by Introduction
Bottled water has seen immense growth in popularity over the past few decades. Originally sold mainly in glass bottles, it is now one of the largest beverage industries in the world. Major companies produce and distribute various types of it worldwide.
History
It has actually been around for much longer than one may think. While the modern Bottled Water industry boomed starting in the late 20th century, bottling and selling water has been happening for over two centuries. Some of the earliest commercial producers date back to the 1700s in Europe. Countries like France, Italy and Germany had emerging industries focused on bottling natural spring waters. In the United States, early its producers emerged in the 1800s, selling waters from natural springs.
Types
There are various types of it available, which can generally be categorized as either sparkling or still water. Sparkling water such asPerrier and San Pellegrino contain dissolved carbon dioxide, giving them an effervescent quality similar to soda. Still they can be further divided into several types based on their source and processing:
Spring Water – Derived from an underground spring or through dug wells, with no or minimal treatment and must be collected at the spring or through a borehole tapping the underground formation feeding the spring.
Purified Water – Processed through distillation, deionization, or reverse osmosis and referred to as “purified water” on the label if the water contains no added substances.
Mineral Water – Naturally occurring water containing various minerals and gases. Must meet specific mineral content standards and come from a protected underground water source.
Well Water – Collected from a water well tapping a protected underground water source and may receive disinfection treatment.
Major Players in the Industry
With its sales bringing in over $200 billion globally each year, the industry involves massive companies. Some of the largest producers worldwide include:
– Nestlé – As the world’s largest food and beverage company, Nestlé Waters is by far the biggest company. Major brands include Perrier, S.Pellegrino, Poland Spring and Pure Life.
– PepsiCo – Through its Aquafina brand, PepsiCo is one of the top producers globally.
– The Coca-Cola Company – Coca-Cola owns numerous brands such as Smartwater, Dasani and glacéau.
– Danone – A French multinational focused on water, baby food and medical nutrition, Danone owns brands like evian, Volvic and AQUA.
– Primo Water Corp – Primo Water distributes, produces and refills various water products across North America. Major home and office delivery brands include Primo, Alhambra and Crystal Springs.
Environmental and Health Impact
While convenient and popular, bottled water production does come with environmental and health downsides that are actively discussed:
Plastic Waste – The vast majority of it is packaged in PET (polyethylene terephthalate) plastic bottles. This creates a major global waste issue as most bottles end up in landfills rather than being recycled. For example, Americans use over 50 billion water bottles each year.
Energy Use – Producing, transporting and storing bottled water uses significant amounts of fossil fuels. The plastic production process alone requires 95% of a bottle’s total energy usage.
Safety Standards – Regulations and safety standards for it can vary between jurisdictions and sometimes lag behind standards for tap water. It is not subject to the same testing requirements as municipal tap water in many countries.
Employment Issues – Workers packing, moving and distributing bottled water have faced issues like long hours, low pay and injuries in major bottling plant locations around the world.
While it remains incredibly popular and profitable, these environmental and social impacts will likely drive further discussion about alternatives and reforming the industry. Manufacturers are increasingly investing in more sustainable packaging technologies to address plastic waste criticisms as well. Going forward, balancing consumer demand with environmental sustainability will shape how it evolves.
It has grown into a massive global industry, generating over $200 billion annually in sales. Major food and beverage conglomerates produce and distribute leading brands of sparkling and still it to consumers. Originating a few centuries ago, it provides a convenient beverage option, though generating substantial plastic waste and other environmental impacts in the process. The market continues expanding each year and adapting to address sustainability issues. With rising awareness of its impacts, companies and policymakers will continue balancing business needs with environmental and social responsibility efforts. As an established part of our lifestyle infrastructure, bottled water’s role in hydration and refreshment ensures its products remain a mainstream consumer staple.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
Money Singh
Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemical and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc. LinkedIn
