VDM: Mineral water convinces with high quality and sustainability

Natural mineral water has a reliably high quality and with the increasing number of climate-neutral mineral waters, German mineral springs are adding value to climate protection. Already today, the CO2 footprint of mineral water is very low. This is confirmed by Stiftung Warentest in its current test of natural mineral waters with high carbon dioxide content (issue 07/2022). All tested mineral waters are microbiologically flawless and meet the strict legal quality requirements of the Mineral and Table Water Ordinance (MTVO). 25 of the 32 Classic mineral waters tested received the grade "very good" (8) or "good" (17).

"Consumers can always rely on the high quality of the natural product mineral water. Mineral water is an essential component for a healthy supply of people," commented Jürgen Reichle, Managing Director of VDM, on the positive test verdict of Stiftung Warentest. "We are very pleased that Stiftung Warentest has positively highlighted the ambitious efforts of German mineral springs for climate and environmental protection. More and more mineral springs are offering climate-neutral mineral water and informing consumers transparently and comprehensibly about their extensive commitment. We see this as confirmation that we are on the right track and that the mineral water industry is acting in an exemplary manner."

The German mineral springs have set themselves the goal of operating in a climate-neutral manner throughout the industry by 2030 at the latest. The focus is on comprehensively avoiding and reducing emissions in the entire process chain of the natural product mineral water. Emissions that cannot be completely avoided will be compensated for through voluntary trading in emission rights and certificates and by supporting recognised climate protection projects. Natural mineral water already has one of the smallest CO2 footprints in the beverage and food industry, and this footprint is being steadily reduced. With a per capita consumption of around 123 litres per year, mineral water is the most popular thirst quencher in Germany. Thus, the daily consumption of mineral water only contributes less than 0.25 percent to the average personal carbon footprint of people in Germany.

Moreover, with its exemplary reusable and closed-loop systems, Germany is a European pioneer in the circular economy. With the deposit systems for the packaging of German mineral springs, return rates of almost 100 % are achieved. Innovations in packaging allow for an ever higher proportion of recycled material, with corresponding positive effects for the environment and the climate.