Aug 10 2010
Eldorado Artesian Springs, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: ELDO) today announced that it is the first U.S. bottled spring water company to use 100 percent recycled plastic in its bottles. Recycled plastic, or RPET (recycled polyethylene terephthalate), is made from plastic that was previously used as packaging, then recycled and processed to create new bottles.
Eldorado's 100 percent RPET bottles help to create a market for post-consumer recycled materials like PET. Also known as "upcycling", using post market materials helps to divert reusable material out of the waste system. The RPET used in Eldorado's new bottle is FDA approved and meets the same safety standards as virgin plastic bottles. Eldorado Natural Spring Water will be available in the new RPET bottles in Colorado beginning in August.
"We are very excited to be the first U.S. bottled spring water company to introduce 100 percent recycled plastic bottles. Eldorado is committed to reducing its impact on the environment and continues to seek sustainability in every aspect of our business," said Jeremy Martin, VP of Marketing.
By using RPET instead of virgin plastic, Eldorado will reduce the energy required to produce this bottle by 77% and will reduce greenhouse (GHG) emissions by 58% according to NAPCOR (National Association for PET Container Resources).
Eldorado currently recycles approximately 96 percent of waste from its plant, including cardboard, paper and plastic. In September 2009, Eldorado installed a 100 kilowatt solar photovoltaic system that generates approximately 50% of the energy needs for the company.
Source: http://www.eldoradosprings.com/