SANBWA Archives - B2B Central

25 Aug 2025

Leading with purpose and passion

By Staff Writer

By Charlotte Metcalf – CEO – South African National Bottled Water Association (SANBWA). When Charlotte Metcalf took up the challenge of leading the South African National Bottled Water Association (SANBWA) 25 years ago, the industry was unrecognised, unregulated and widely misunderstood. Today SANBWA stands as a respected voice for quality, safety and sustainability in South...

03 Jul 2025

Why South Africa’s bottled water industry stands by PET

By Staff Writer

By Charlotte Metcalf, SANBWA CEO. In SA, PET plastic bottles have a well-established recycling value chain that delivers real environmental benefits. In 2023, the PET Recycling Company (Petco) achieved a 64% collection rate and a 60% recycling rate for PET beverage bottles, surpassing the government’s 58% target. This robust recycling effort translated into tangible gains. By replacing virgin plastic...

28 Nov 2024

Bottled vs. refilled water: What you need to know

By Staff Writer

South Africa’s growing water crisis has forced many consumers to find alternative drinking water sources. Although bottled water is always available in times of crises, it is normally sold as a healthy beverage alternative. Since bottled water needs to adhere to a vast amount of food legislation, it comes at a cost that may seem...

26 Sep 2024

Is that water really safe?

By Staff Writer

When dining out or attending events, you might notice a trend: venues are serving water in refilled glass bottles. But is it safe? Eating out or out and about: Is that water safe? When dining out or attending a conference, you might notice an increasing trend: restaurants, hotels and conference centres are filling and serving...

09 May 2024

Reusable vs. plastic: Beyond the bottle

By Staff Writer

Consumers are increasingly reaching for reusable bottles, but are they truly the eco-friendly choice? Charlotte Metcalf, CEO of the South African National Bottled Water Association (SANBWA), explains further. One of the most enduring misconceptions about PET, the recyclable and food-grade plastic most often used for beverage bottles, is that it pollutes our environment. As a...

30 Aug 2019

More than 519 370 tons of plastics waste collected by SA recyclers

By Staff Writer

South Africa’s total plastics recycling rate has been applauded by the South African National Bottled Water Association (SANBWA) whose members are users of plastic products.

28 Aug 2019

Are PET bottle alternatives a truly green option?

By Staff Writer

A new study from environmental think tank Green Alliance has shown that bottled water alternatives are not as green as they claim to be. The study examined if alternative forms of packaging – aluminium, glass and cartons – are less harmful to the environment than PET or the other food grade plastics used for making...

26 Jul 2019

Can bottled water make you sick?

By Staff Writer

Following the article ‘Is my bottled water killing me?’ there have been consumer queries about whether bottled water is safe to drink. Bottled water bottles do not contain BPA and therefore cannot leach BPA into the water they contain. On the contrary, bottled water bottles are made from PET, a food-grade plastic that is biologically...

29 May 2019

The different tastes of South Africa’s bottled waters

By Staff Writer

If you’re looking for a water to use as a mixer with whiskey or brandy, or perhaps one to revitalise and refresh your palate make an informed choice with the South African National Bottled Water Association’s (SANBWA) published guide to the ‘taste’ of its members’ products.

14 May 2019

New research: biodegradable bags don’t actually biodegrade?

By Staff Writer

Researchers from the International Marine Litter Research Unit at Plymouth University in the United Kingdom have published new research in Environmental Science and Technology showing that biodegradable bags can hold a full load of shopping three years after being discarded in the environment.

14 Dec 2018

Reach for bottled water these holidays and recycle

By Staff Writer

In a few days, many South Africans will set off for their annual holiday. Sensible travellers will ensure their suitcases contain sunscreens and hats to protect them and their families from the summer sun, and water to slake their thirst and fend off dehydration.

04 Jun 2018

SANBWA welcomes EFBW commitment to improve recycling rates

By Staff Writer

The South African National Bottled Water Association (SANBWA) has welcomed the European Federation of Bottled Waters’ (EFBW) commitment to embracing the circular economy saying it will not only have a marked impact on recycling rates in Europe, it should inspire similar campaigns around the world. On May 15th the EFBW announced four industry-wide pledges aiming...