Danone is set to introduce 100% rPET bottles for its Evian range in the UK and Ireland, alongside a pledge to also become carbon neutral across its Evian and Volvic brands in these territories.
The arm responsible for these developments, Danone Waters UKI, says that this move, slated to be introduced in April 2020, will bring the use of recycled plastic content to 70% across its Evian range in the UK. The company has also committed to using no virgin plastic across its Evian UK and Volvic UK bottles by 2025.
Alongside these announcements, Danone Waters UKI reports that it is actively supporting the implementation of a Deposit Return Scheme to increase the UK recycling rate to a minimum of 90%. At the same time, it says that it is also collaborating with expert partners such as Loop Industries, Hubbub, The Ocean Cleanup and Plastic Patrol, in the hopes of helping to create a circular economy.
In terms of independent certification for its carbon neutrality claims, Evian and Volvic are currently being assessed by the Carbon Trust to the international standard (PAS 2060).
These announcements have been made in light of the start of Danone’s €2 billion investment acceleration plan, a project taking place between 2020-2022 that seeks to further transform the company’s agriculture, energy and operations, packaging and digital capabilities. Danone Waters UKI itself is working to achieve B Corp accreditation by the end of 2020.
James Pearson, Managing Director for Danone Waters UKI says: “Reducing our impact on the planet has always been at the heart of what we do at Danone, through our dual project for social and environmental progress as part of building a sustainable business. The challenges of plastic pollution and climate change that we face are more pressing than ever, therefore we need to accelerate the actions to reduce our footprint."
Hugh Jones, Managing Director, Advisory, the Carbon Trust says: “The need for ambitious corporate climate action has never been more urgent. By working to become certified carbon neutral and build a better recycling system, Danone Waters is demonstrating real commitment to achieving significant carbon reductions.”
