15th December 2022
British company Water-to-Go, a Bonsucro member, has just launched a new water filter bottle made from sugarcane bioplastics.
The rise of bioplastics
Bioplastics are made from renewable material such as sugarcane, instead of fossil-based petroleum. Demand for them is increasing; according to European Bioplastics’ latest report, their production capacity is expected to more than double by 2027.
If sustainably sourced, sugarcane derived bioplastics offer promising opportunities to reduce environmental impact and promote decent work.
Tetra Pak is doing just that; in 2019, it became the first company in the food and drink sector to offer bioplastic packaging made from Bonsucro-certified sugarcane.
While packaging represents the largest field of application (48% of the market in 2022, European Bioplastics), bioplastics are used in other sectors by companies that innovate.
Water-to-Go
Water-to-Go is one of them. On a mission to provide access to safe drinking water to everyone, everywhere, free of single-use plastic, the British brand produces reusable water filter bottles. Over the last decade, its filters have helped replace an estimated 165 million single use plastic bottles.
Its new bottle is made of 100% sugarcane and is reusable and recyclable. It is also customisable for brands and events.
“When traveling, backpacking or just at home, safe water is not always available so people resort to buying single-use plastic water bottles that pollute the environment and contribute to global warming. The new Water-to-Go sugarcane bottle is the most earth-friendly way to provide safe drinking water anywhere” said Dave Shanks, founder of Water-to-Go International.
The company became a Bonsucro member in October 2022. While it hasn’t obtained chain of custody certification yet, we have been collaborating closely and Water-to-Go is already sourcing sugarcane materials from Bonsucro certified producers for its new bottle.
Bonsucro’s Outcome data shows that certified producers reduce their water use and GHG emissions and protect high conservation value areas. They also offer safer working conditions and higher wages.
“It’s great to be working with Bonsucro to ensure all our materials are certified and accredited. Partnerships like this ensure the exacting standards we set for ourselves are reflected through the entire supply chain.”
Sourcing certified sustainable sugarcane material
At Bonsucro, we believe the transition to bioplastics is positive for the environment – but only if renewable biomass material is sourced sustainably. That’s why we’re pleased to see increased interest for certified sustainable sugarcane from the bioplastic sector.
Companies that want to produce bioplastics from sustainably sourced sugarcane can obtain the Bonsucro Chain of Custody certificate. This ensures that the cane is grown in compliance with the Bonsucro Production Standard.
The Bonsucro certificate ensures that producers:
- Keep water use to a minimum
- Actively work to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions
- Don’t cultivate sugarcane on areas of critical conservation value
- Maintain local ecosystems.
If your company produces or uses bioplastics and is interested in transitioning to certified sustainable sugarcane material, we would love to help. You can email us at info@bonsucro.com.
