Bottled water companies continue toward their goal of reducing the impact of plastic bottles on the environment. One way bottlers are making a contribution is by reducing the amount of PET content in each bottle. Brand owners are steadily taking advantage of an average 2-gram material savings on bottle and the cap achieved through moving to light weight closures and reducing wall thickness. Further work is being done involving the shape of bottles along with the development of ultra might weight bottles such as Sidels "No Bottle" and Krones ultra light weight alternative.

This month Evian revealed its carbon footprint as part of Evian's new sustainable development initiative. It's 1 liter bottled water equals 198 grams (.436 pounds) of CO2. That's the equivalent of less than one mile driven in the family car. One liter of Evian consumed is less than .5 percent of a typical persons daily footprint.

An alternative to PET may be bottles made from plants. The increase in global input prices, energy prices and increased environmental concern has renewed interest inbio-polymers such as PLA,PHA and PGA. As costs increase these renewable pack types approach price parity and rapid technological advances in terms of clarity and rigidity has led to brand manufacturers taking increased interest in these alternatives.

Another new alternative is Reverte oxo-biodegradable (oxo-bio) PET plastic preforms and bottles introduced by Norland Intl. and Planet Green Bottle Corp. These bottles break down naturally and in most cases turn to CO2 and moisture within 5 to 10 years. Reverte has been formulated for a two year shelf life and the degradation process is triggered by UV light, heat and moisture. Plastic bottles containing the Reverte technology will degrade in landfills, ditches, rivers and oceans.