Calay News
Bottled water sales are surging, despite mounting concerns over the environmental impact of single-use plastic bottles. The global bottled water industry is currently valued at over $300 billion and is expected to grow in the coming years. This is despite the fact that bottled water generates huge amounts of plastic waste, with many bottles ending up in landfills or oceans and taking hundreds of years to break down.
According to a recent report by the BBC, bottled water is now the most popular packaged drink in the world, with global consumption rising to 480 billion liters in 2021. The report also highlights that the UK is one of the largest consumers of bottled water in Europe, with over 7.7 billion liters consumed in 2020.
Environmentalists have long warned that the production and disposal of plastic water bottles have a devastating effect on the environment, with estimates suggesting that 1 million plastic bottles are bought worldwide every minute. While some companies have taken steps to reduce their plastic use, such as by producing lighter bottles or offering water in more sustainable packaging, critics say that more needs to be done.
Despite the negative environmental impact of bottled water, the industry shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, according to recent reports, bottled water remains the top-selling packaged beverage in the United States, accounting for 15% of all beverage sales in the country.
The global pandemic has also played a role in the increased demand for bottled water, with people turning to single-use plastic bottles due to concerns about the safety of tap water. While there is no evidence that COVID-19 can be transmitted through water, some people have turned to bottled water out of an abundance of caution.
While bottled water has long been marketed as a healthier and more convenient option compared to tap water, the industry’s environmental impact is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. As consumers become more aware of the impact of plastic waste on the environment, the demand for more sustainable alternatives is likely to grow.
