Bottled water sales expand

Global growth in value sales of bottled water is evident, with many Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin American markets growing at an elevated rate. However, such large and growing consumption puts stress on domestic natural water resources and the environmental impact of producing and recycling large volumes of PET bottles.

Water scarcity and access to potable water remains a major concern in many developing countries. Public pressure for the curtailment of unsustainable use of water is now affecting the commercial operation of beverage production companies in some regions e.g. Coca-Cola and PepsiCo in India. Climate change and increasing urbanisation will put increasing pressure on the management of water resources for agriculture, industry and human consumption.

In packaging terms, PET is coming under growing pressure from a sustainability perspective as the introduction of this packaging format into many products and new markets is rapidly increasing the need for viable, profitable and extensive recycling options. It is estimated that annual consumption of plastic bottles is set to top half a trillion by 2021, far outstripping recycling efforts and jeopardising oceans, coastlines and other environments.