ATLANTA, GA — The International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) today proudly participated as a co-sponsor of the National Recycling Coalition’s (NRC) launch of a historic campaign to reignite American consumer interest in recycling by providing clear, consistent information on what, how, and why to recycle.  IBWA was joined by fellow co-sponsors, which include the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the American Beverage Association, the Food Marketing Institute, and the Grocery Manufacturers of America as NRC announced the launch of the initiative at its 25th Annual Conference and Expo in Atlanta, Georgia.

IBWA President and CEO Joseph K. Doss said about the NRC program, “As a co-sponsor of the NRC initiative, the bottled water industry is crucial to the program’s success.  IBWA members are committed to the safety and convenience of bottled water and recognize the responsibility of the industry and its consumers to properly recycle empty bottled water containers.  This is not a new philosophy for the bottled water industry.”

Doss continued, “We have been active, committed participants in the battle to increase recycling rates and to get consumers to do the right thing and recycle.  We have, through the years, worked with our partners in the beverage industry, municipalities, and recycling advocacy organizations to promote recycling and to be a vocal advocate of curbside and other comprehensive recycling programs.  IBWA believes that these types of recycling systems make the most sense due to their effectiveness, economic efficiency, and ease of use for the consumer.”

All bottled water containers are recyclable, where recycling facilities exist and the bottled water industry is among the original recyclers.  The industry was founded by utilizing the reusable container system of the Home and Office (HOD) delivery segment.  These bottles are sanitized and can be reused an average of 50 times before the bottled water company collects and recycles them.  Bottled water is regulated by FDA, which mandates stringent standards to help ensure bottled water’s consistent safety, quality and good taste.

Doss concluded, “The power of a single, unified message will drive more consumers to recycle.  This partnership will contribute to the effectiveness of community recycling programs across the nation, now and for generations to come.”

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.