30 October 2024
We are announcing enhanced actions on water stewardship, biodiversity restoration, decarbonization, and packaging circularity under the EU Code of Conduct for Responsible Food Business and Marketing Practices.
We reaffirm our commitment to the EU Code of Conduct for Responsible Food Business and Marketing Practices, introducing a refined set of actions to deepen sustainability efforts across our 500 member companies. Our updated aspirations include measurable biodiversity indicators by 2030, scope 1 and 2 decarbonization goals by 2040 (towards the 2050 net zero target in all scopes), 50% recycled material in plastic bottles by 2030, and an expanded approach to water management.
“Our new aspirations build on the progress we’ve made and the knowledge we’ve acquired since signing the Code in 2021,” said Alessandro Pasquale, President of Natural Mineral Waters Europe. “While the scope of some commitments is expanding—particularly in the field of sustainable water management—the focus is on deepening our actions and providing support to our members, giving us a longer-term action plan rather than just a step ahead.”
Key actions NMWE will implement to reinforce sustainability include:
1. Sustainable Water Management
Expanding from previous efforts on water efficiency, NMWE’s commitment now covers water stewardship at a broader, watershed level. By promoting efficient water use within member operations and supply chains, while also addressing water-related ecosystems and extreme weather events, NMWE will help members engage in responsible water management that encompasses the environmental, social, and economic value of water.
2. Biodiversity Restoration
Building on the sector’s existing efforts, NMWE’s focus on biodiversity remains central. The new commitments will help members actively contribute to preserving and restoring biodiversity around their operations, with measurable outcomes reported by 2030.
3. Decarbonization
NMWE continues its path towards net zero by 2050, with interim goals to decarbonize Scopes 1 and 2 by 2040. By providing ongoing guidance, tools, and support for members to measure and reduce their carbon footprint, the sector strengthens its commitment to long-term sustainability while ensuring companies remain competitive in a low-carbon economy.
4. Circular Economy
The sector’s pledge to full packaging circularity remains strong, with the goal of using only recyclable packaging by 2025 and incorporating 50% alternative materials in new plastic bottles by 2030. NMWE will continue to collaborate with value chain partners to promote effective deposit refund systems (DRS) and extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes, combating material loss throughout the entire lifecycle.
“Our renewed commitments are about making our sector’s sustainability journey more robust and time-proof,” said Patricia Fosselard, Secretary General of NMWE. “Through this revamped approach, we will focus on providing for our members, especially SMEs, the tools, guidance and support they need to make a positive and lasting impact in the areas in which they operate. However, to make this possible, multi-stakeholder collaboration and an enabling legislative environment are also important success factors.”
NMWE’s enhanced commitments reflect its dedication to ensuring that environmental sustainability and corporate responsibility go hand in hand while adapting to new realities and providing a solid foundation for the future.
“As we deepen our efforts, NMWE will continue to be a trusted partner in Europe’s sustainability goals, supporting our members every step of the way,” concluded Pasquale.
You can read the full text of the updated commitment here, and you can view a summary on our website here.
