Sustainability In Every Step
Giving bottles another life, reducing waste, conserving water, and powering operations responsibly
Sustainability
Our Commitment
As a family-owned company, our priority is the health of our Team Members, our communities and our environment. Niagara is committed to responsible resource usage and integrating sustainability into every aspect of our business. We firmly believe in growing and improving in each of these areas to make Niagara the best beverage supplier, community partner and employer that we can be.
Our Guiding Principles
Niagara delivers measurable sustainability results, whether it’s advancing the circular economy through its own food-grade, bottle-to-bottle PET recycling facility, or aligning our sustainability initiatives with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Our leadership in water stewardship and energy efficiency supports a more sustainable future for people and planet.
Award-Winning Innovation & Sustainability
Niagara was recognized by the U.S. Department of Energy with both the Better Project Award and Better Practice Award. These awards honor organizations leading the way in energy efficiency, waste reduction and operational excellence. Niagara earned recognition for advancing toward zero waste across its network and developing innovative technology to optimize energy use. In 2025, our waste diversion efforts kept more than 1.4 billion pounds of material out of landfills. This achievement reflects our ongoing commitment to innovation, sustainability and continuous improvement.
Sustainability In Action
Zero Waste
First bottled water company to achieve True Zero Waste certification in 2017, diverting 97% of materials companywide in 2025
50,000 Panels
of solar installed, helping power seven plants with clean energy
257,000 Pounds
of plastic removed each year through smarter, lighter packaging
7.3 Million
haul miles avoided through our label-free bottles
17.4 Million
gallons of water replenished in 2025
Packaging Efficiency
We’re transforming how water is packaged – using less plastic, improving recyclability, and moving towards a circular economy, without compromising quality or safety. Every innovation is designed to reduce our impact on the planet.
Our New Label-Free™ Bottle
By eliminating the traditional plastic label and molding details directly into the bottle design, we significantly reduce packaging complexity and material waste.
- Less material overall, supporting waste reduction
- Simplifies recycling, with fewer components to separate
- Reduces water and energy use associated with label production
- Lowers carbon footprint through more efficient packaging and reduced raw material transportation
Eco-Air Bottle®
Lightweight and fully recyclable*, the Eco-Air Bottle® uses 60%** less plastic while minimizing label and cap materials.
- Enables more water per truckload which lowers CO₂ and fuel use
- Uses less plastic per bottle which helps conserve valuable resources
- Has reduced bottle carbon footprint by 59% since 2009
*Recyclable bottle and cap. Excludes label and outer wrap, which may not be recyclable in your area.
**On average vs. our original 1998 500mL bottle.
Eco-Air Package®
As a leader in packaging innovation, Niagara is the first to successfully commercialize nested cases. Our Eco-Air Package® eliminates the need for a cardboard tray completely. The nested cases take up less pallet space which allows us to ship more water per order and helps us reduce our CO₂ emissions.
Recycling in Practice
Our packaging is designed to make recycling easy. The plastic case wrap around our bottles can be dropped off for recycling at participating store locations. Check the directory below to find one near you!
Plastic Facts
Did you know?
PET plastic is the world’s most recycled plastic.
Replacing Plastics with Alternatives Is Worse for Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Most Cases – read the study here.
Water Stewardship
We care for the watersheds where our plants operate, protecting aquifers and supporting local ecosystems to ensure healthy water resources for tomorrow.
Protecting Water at Every Stage
Water Recovery
We use advanced filtration technology to remove minerals and impurities more efficiently, allowing us to recover up to 96% of the water we bring into our largest North American plant.
Water Efficiency Training
Ongoing training helps Team Members apply best water‑use practices, from leak checks to preventative maintenance to identify opportunities for improving efficiency.
Water Replenishment
Through Niagara Cares, investments in reforestation and stream restoration help restore watersheds that supply critical rivers like the Colorado and the Rio Grande.
Water‑Efficient Landscaping
Native landscaping and microforest projects reduce irrigation needs naturally while restoring local ecosystems and boosting biodiversity across our facilities.
Water Recovery
We use advanced filtration technology to remove minerals and impurities more efficiently, allowing us to recover up to 96% of the water we bring into our largest North American plant.
Water Efficiency Training
Ongoing training helps Team Members apply best water‑use practices, from leak checks to preventative maintenance to identify opportunities for improving efficiency.
Water Replenishment
Through Niagara Cares, investments in reforestation and stream restoration help restore watersheds that supply critical rivers like the Colorado and the Rio Grande.
Water‑Efficient Landscaping
Native landscaping and microforest projects reduce irrigation needs naturally while restoring local ecosystems and boosting biodiversity across our facilities.
Energy
We’re committed to using energy responsibly across every part of our business, helping to reduce emissions, conserve resources, and power our operations more efficiently.
How We Lead In Energy Efficiency
Smart Equipment & Automation
High-efficiency bottling lines, automated forklifts and storage systems keep operations safe, reliable, and energy-conscious.
Lighting & Workspace Optimization
Skylights and LED lighting reduce energy use, lower heat, and create brighter, more comfortable workplaces for our Team Members.
Advanced Molding Technology
Innovative bottle and cap molding uses less energy while maintaining quality and operational efficiency.
Renewable Energy Integration
50,000 solar panels help power seven plants and five Texas facilities receive an average of 75% of their electricity from wind power.
Smart Equipment & Automation
High-efficiency bottling lines, automated forklifts and storage systems keep operations safe, reliable, and energy-conscious.
Lighting & Workspace Optimization
Skylights and LED lighting reduce energy use, lower heat, and create brighter, more comfortable workplaces for our Team Members.
Advanced Molding Technology
Innovative bottle and cap molding uses less energy while maintaining quality and operational efficiency.
Renewable Energy Integration
50,000 solar panels help power seven plants and five Texas facilities receive an average of 75% of their electricity from wind power.