In honor of Earth Day on April 22, the International Bottled Water Association, Alexandria, Va., is highlighting its efforts and dedication to protecting the environment and natural resources.

“In keeping with this year’s Earth Day theme of ‘It’s our turn to lead,’ the International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) demonstrates a sustainable industry focus through its numerous environmental-impact-reduction efforts, which are built on a foundation of solid science and smart decisions,” said Chris Hogan, vice president of communications for the IBWA, in a statement.

Water resource management is a very important issue to the bottled water industry, and sustainable, protected and naturally recharged water sources are the single-most important aspect of the IBWA’s business, Hogan added.

Even with continuing growth and increased consumption, bottled water still has the smallest water and energy-use footprint of any packaged beverage, the IBWA says. On average, only 1.32 liters of water (including the liter of water consumed) and 0.24 mega-joules of energy are used to produce 1 liter of finished bottled water, it says.

The industry’s continuing dedication to protecting the environment and natural resources is also demonstrated by:

• Using less PET plastic to make single-serve bottled water containers. PET plastic bottled water bottles use less plastic than any other packaged beverage, the IBWA says. 
• Increasing the use of recycled PET (rPET) to make bottled water containers. While bottled water is just one of thousands of consumer items packaged in plastic, many bottled water companies already use bottles made from 50, 75 and, in some cases, 100 percent rPET, it says.
• Reinforcing the importance of recycling. The bottled water industry supports strong community recycling programs, it adds.

 “IBWA is dedicated to the responsible management of groundwater resources,” Hogan said.  “As an industry, we support comprehensive water resource management that regulates both the quality and quantity of groundwater, treats all users equitably, provides for the sustainability of the resource, and balances the interests and rights of those using this natural resource today and in the future.”