Commitments
You want to eliminate plastic bottles from your company—not just as part of a big annual CSR speech, but for real, in your teams’ day-to-day work. Here’s a practical guide, developed in collaboration with our hundreds of clients.
60 million plastic bottles avoided each year
The Issue
A company with 50 employees consumes, on average:
! 12,000 to 15,000 plastic water bottles per year
! 8,000 to 10,000 disposable plastic cups per year
! 3,000 to 5,000 miscellaneous plastic containers per year
That amounts to between 25,000 and 30,000 plastic items per year for 50 people—a significant volume with an unknown cost (purchase + waste management). Market estimates to be verified with local sources.
The Right Lever
Often 50 to 70 percent of the total plastic consumed by a company.
A high-quality water fountain is a great alternative to bottled water without any compromises (fresher, more accessible, and sometimes sparkling water).
The savings on bottle purchases often cover the monthly cost of the water dispenser.
Employees immediately notice the change. This quick success paves the way for further initiatives.
Method
Step 01
How many bottles were purchased, at what cost, and how they were stored and disposed of. A three-month assessment provides a reliable picture.
Step 02
A plumbing system for high-volume use, a water dispenser for areas without plumbing, and a filtered faucet for aesthetic appeal. Our firm can guide you.
Step 03
Internal communication prior to installation: “Starting on [date], we’re switching to the water cooler. Here’s why.”
Step 04
Quick setup, demonstration for staff, and possible distribution of branded reusable water bottles or glasses.
Step 05
Close monitoring during the first 4 weeks: adjustments (carbonation, fountain position), answering questions.
Step 06
After 3 months: bottles saved, cost savings, employee feedback. Communication of results (CSR report, LinkedIn, internal communications).
Calculator
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Replace them with personal mugs or compostable cups. Consider removing the dispensers near the water fountain.
Replace them with glass carafes filled with water from a filtered faucet. Additional selling point for customers.
More complex (the responsibility of the food service provider), but this can be discussed with the service provider.
Reusable water bottles with logos (great promotional items), recycled paper pouches, refillable pens.
Internal Communication
✓ Printable posters: “This water fountain saves [X] plastic bottles per month”
✓ Intranet text: ready-to-publish briefs explaining the initiative and best practices
✓ Sample email to send before and after installation to outline the initiative
✓ Quarterly reporting graphic: infographic (bottles saved, CO₂) to share
Frequently Asked Questions
In most cases, yes. The monthly cost of bottled water for 50 people is approximately €400 to €600. The cost of an equivalent water cooler is €200 to €350. Net savings + environmental impact.
This is something to plan for. More than 90% of the resistance to this changes within a month of installation, especially if the water cooler offers sparkling water. For those who are still resistant, you can keep a small supply of returnable glass bottles on hand.
Great idea, and highly recommended. A personal, reusable water bottle helps avoid disposable cups. Many companies offer a water bottle with their logo when you first sign up.
Multiple approaches: mention on the website, a LinkedIn post at launch, mention in the annual CSR report, and an email signature such as “Our zero-plastic initiative: X bottles avoided.”
With the water fountain installed and the initiative clearly communicated, 80% of the plastic use is eliminated within one month. The remaining 20% (meetings, reception areas, events) takes a few months. Allow 3 to 6 months to achieve true plastic-free water.
Ready to switch to Aquavital?
Get our PDF guide or get an estimate of your impact.