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1700
Diagonal Road, Suite 650
Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: 703-683-5213
Fax: 703-683-4074
Web: www.bottledwater.org
Position
Statement
August
2, 2007
Contact:
V. Tom Gardner, communications manager
International Bottled Water Association
703.683.5213 ext. 107
IBWA Response
to Editorial in
The New York Times
Bottled water is a safe, healthy, convenient
beverage that consumers choose to stay refreshed and hydrated.
The International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) believes
it is important for consumers to have the facts about the
bottled water industry's outstanding record of environmental
stewardship, safety and quality, and role as a bottled beverage
of choice.
- Any actions that discourage the use of this healthy beverage
choice are not in the public interest.
- The bottled water industry has an outstanding record
and solid commitment to environmental stewardship and is
a leader in the food and beverage industry in reducing its
environmental footprint, while at the same time delivering
the healthful value of bottled water to thirsty consumers.
- If the debate is about the impact of plastic packaging
on the environment, a narrow focus on bottled water spotlights
only a small portion of the packaged beverage category and
an even smaller sliver of the universe of packaged products
- Despite their popularity, PET water bottles accounted
for less than one-third of one percent of all waste produced
in the United States in 2005.
- Any efforts to reduce the resources necessary to produce
and distribute packaged goods-and increase recycling rates--must
focus on ALL packaging. Any other approach misses a real
opportunity to arrive at a comprehensive solution to protecting
and sustaining the environment.
- Pitting bottled water against public drinking water confuses
consumers who make bottled water their beverage-of-choice.
- People recognize the importance of water consumption
for hydration and refreshment and that should be encouraged-whether
it is from bottled water or tap water. When faced with an
array of bottled drink choices, consumers often choose bottled
water because it does not contain calories, caffeine, sugar,
artificial colors, or other ingredients they wish to avoid
or moderate.
- When it comes to bottled water or tap water, most people
drink both, depending on the circumstances.
- Bottled water is a healthy beverage produced by an industry
that supports and relies on safe, quality ground water resources
as well as municipal water systems and is are interested
in strengthening, not undermining, municipal water sources.
- Bottled water consumption has nothing to do with tap
water infrastructure funding or drinking water system improvements.
It is about beverage choice, available to consumers in all
walks of life who choose, or rely upon, bottled water for
refreshment and hydration.
- # # # -
The International Bottled Water
Association (IBWA) is the authoritative source of information
about all types of bottled waters. Founded in 1958, IBWA's
membership includes U.S. and international bottlers, distributors
and suppliers. IBWA is committed to working with the U.S.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which regulates bottled
water as a packaged food product, and state governments
to set stringent standards for safe, high quality bottled
water products. Additionally, IBWA requires member bottlers
to adhere to the IBWA Bottled Water Code of Practice, which
mandates additional standards and practices, that in some
cases, are more stringent than federal and state regulations.
A key feature of the IBWA Model Code is an annual unannounced
plant inspection by an independent, third party organization.
For more information about IBWA, bottled water and a list
of member's brands, please contact IBWA Manager of Communications
Tom Gardner at 703-647-4607 or tgardner@bottledwater.org.
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