Industry and consumers are committed to greater sustainability. That includes the reusable system for plastic bottles. These sturdy yet lightweight bottles can be refilled more than twenty times. And because they’re so practical, they’re often used for other purposes in daily life – whether for mixing with supplements or as everyday bottles filled with sweet or refreshing drinks.

Mixing and Refilling – a Clear No-Go for Water Bottles

Nothing should go into a reusable water bottle except what was originally inside: water. Otherwise, the bottles can no longer be used in the reuse system. Inspection systems at the filling facilities detect water bottles that were misused and remove and discard them. The reason: water bottles absorb the smell of other liquids – even ordinary beverages.

If anything other than water is filled in, the taste remains in the bottle and transfers directly into the next refill. The cleaning systems aren’t able to remove these lingering smells. Due to such foreign odors alone, 2% of all reusable bottles are sorted out and discarded.[1] That’s 20,000 bottles for every one million – not exactly a win for the environment.

Like with Like – No Risk to the System

Nothing happens if you refill your water bottle with water – still or sparkling. That keeps the bottle neutral in taste and part of the sustainable reuse system. It’s how enjoyment and environmental protection go hand in hand.

[1] https://www.voeslauer.com/de/produkte/mineralwasser/

Image Source: ALPLA

Image Caption: Sustainability in your hands: Plastic water bottles in reusable systems can be refilled many times – but only if consumers use them correctly, meaning without filling them with other beverages.