Rehydrating becomes more sustainable

WHA welcomes research into refillable bottle use and the app helping users find water

The WHA (Water Dispenser and Hydration Association) has welcomed research that indicates the British public are embracing refillable water bottles at an astonishing rate, with 60% saying that they regularly use them, up from just 20% in 2015. Plus, there’s an app that’s going to make it even easier for consumers to refill.

The reasons for the interest in refillable bottles are varied, including greater awareness of the importance of the need to reduce the environmental impact of the single use plastic bottles. And with 700,000 of the ten million bottles of water bought every day being thrown away, reusable bottles can have a significant impact on the amount of plastic waste.

The research was carried out on behalf of Refill, a City to Sea campaign, that aims to help people live with less plastic, and the story has featured in the media including the Guardian (21 June 2023). The campaign has created an app which lists over 30,000 locations in the UK where people can refill their bottles for free.

“Public awareness of the importance of living more sustainably has been growing in recent years,” says Jon Wicks, chair of the WHA.  “Giving people more opportunities to refill their water bottles is  becoming increasingly common on the high street. If you’re a business thinking of joining this growing movement it’s imperative to purchase bottle-filling systems that are fit for purpose, so accreditation from a third party such as the WHA should be part of the buying decision.”  WHA members undergo industry specific training and audits to ensure that they are providing the best level of service and expertise. This means the guidance WHA members offer to organisations and businesses about providing suitable and sustainable access to water is at the highest standard.

The WHA (Water Dispenser and Hydration Association) is the voice of the water dispenser and hydration industry.  Its members are committed to offering the very best in terms of quality, trust and standards.  For more information visit twha.co.uk