Bottled water container weight significantly lighter since 2000
ALEXANDRIA, VA — A new study by the Beverage Marketing Corporation (BMC) for the International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) showed that the gram weight of the 16.9 ounce PET bottled water container decreased by 32.6 percent between 2000 and 2008.

The average “single serve” bottled water container weighed 18.9 grams in 2000, and in 2008 the average container weighed in at 12.7 grams.

BMC estimated that more than 1.3 billion pounds of PET resin had been saved by the bottled water industry during this time span.

“The International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) is proud the bottled water industry has worked diligently to reduce the weight of its plastic bottles,” said IBWA President and CEO Joseph K. Doss. “This is one way we as a nation can put a meaningful dent in post-consumer disposal of plastic that is not recycled.”

Professors, Coca-Cola rep discuss bottled water industry
WILLIAMSBURG, VA — Four professors and a representative from Coca-Cola Enterprises gathered at the College of William & Mary on Feb. 21 to discuss the environmental impact of the bottled water industry.

Sustainability and education were also issues of discussion at the event, which was sponsored by the William & Mary Committee on Sustainability.

Curtis Etherly, vice president for public affairs and communication at Coca-Cola Enterprises, talked about his company’s sustainability initiatives to reduce the environmental effects of the production and distribution of their products, such as reducing carbon emissions.

Several professors also joined the discussion, speaking on subjects such as the environmental problems associated with the bottled water industry, the danger of dumping trash into the ocean and the social responsibilities of bottled water suppliers.

DS Waters acquires Yosemite Waters
LOS ANGELES — DS Waters, owner of Sparkletts^® and Alhambra^® bottled water brands, has acquired Yosemite Waters’ home and office bottled water delivery, coffee and filtration service business.

According to the terms of the deal, Sparkletts will assume management of the Yosemite operations in Greater Los Angeles, Orange County, San Bernardino, the Imperial Valley and the surrounding communities. Alhambra will take over Yosemite operations in Merced, Fresno and the surrounding communities.