Plant-Based

This is a journey, not a destination.

Since the day we first drew water from the foothills of Devil’s Bit Mountain, we’ve believed that taking from nature comes with a responsibility to protect it. Our goal is to become a carbon-neutral bottled water producer delivering water in packaging that leads the world in sustainability credentials.

The independent evidence

Better for the planet. Proven, not just promised.

Where our numbers come from

Most water brands make environmental claims. We want you to understand exactly what ours are based on.

In 2019, when we decided to move away from PET plastic, Tetra Pak commissioned an independent life cycle assessment of both our carton and glass product ranges. A life cycle assessment, or LCA, measures the total carbon impact of a product from the raw materials used to make the packaging, through to manufacturing, distribution and disposal. Nothing is left out.

That study, carried out by IFEU, one of Europe’s leading environmental research institutes, found that producing 1,000 litres of water in our Tetra Pak cartons generates 66kg of CO₂ equivalent. The same volume in standard PET plastic bottles generates 137kg. The carton produces less than half the carbon of plastic at every volume we sell. Read more.

Those findings have since been independently verified by the Carbon Trust against the ISO 14067 international standard, the benchmark for carbon footprint measurement. Verification happens every two years. The numbers on our packaging are not estimates or projections. They are audited facts.

To find out more about the methodology and what verification involves, visit carbontrust.com/tetrapak

Enviromental claims

Additional work done by HyGo to improve its Carbon Footprint/impact on nature (tracked as part of Origin Green membership over 5 year period, from baseline in 2020)

Process water reuse – reducing our process water usage by 93%
Reducing our total fossil based plastic usage by 99% (primary contributor was the cessation of PET production in 2022)

Reducing our Energy/Litre product by 68%,

Installing individual energy monitoring capability on individual equipment pieces to identify future saving opportunities
Carrying out schedule of Carbon Footprint assessments – results show a 15% reduction from 2023 assessment to 2025 assessment on our carton products, with a 4% reduction on our glass range.
Reuse/repurpose of incoming raw material outer packaging to minimalize waste and drive us towards our “Zero Waste to Landfill” goal

Our packaging choice

Better for the planet. Proven, not just promised.

Choosing the Tetra Pak carton wasn’t just a packaging decision; it was an environmental one. Our cartons are up to 89% plant-based and recyclable through your normal green bin. Made from 54% FSC-certified paperboard, up to 40% plant-based plastics derived from sugarcane, and 3.1% aluminium foil, every material has been chosen with purpose.

No Deposit Return Scheme charge.

Our packaging isn't subject to Ireland's 15c Deposit Return Scheme. No extra charge to buy. No empty carton to keep and return.

Inside the plant

Across our entire operation, we’ve systematically reduced our environmental footprint, rethinking how we use energy, water and materials from the moment water enters our plant to the moment a case leaves it.

94% less plastic per litre – Our PET line is fully decommissioned and replaced entirely by our carton line.
90% less water waste – Utility water is filtered, sterilised and recycled back into the process.
64% less electricity – Heavy-usage equipment decommissioned, significantly cutting our consumption.

We have moved most of our outer packaging to cardboard across both our glass and carton lines, repurposing and reusing all incoming cardboard rather than discarding it, and have completed a full carbon footprint analysis across both product ranges.

Origin Green Ireland · Gold Member 2024

In 2024, we were awarded Gold Member status by Origin Green, Ireland’s national sustainability programme, supported by the government and overseen by Bord Bia. Results are tracked and audited by an independent agency.

Gold membership reflects exceptional, measurable progress across environmental and community targets. We’re proud of it. And we know there’s more to do.

What's next

The loop starts again.

Our approach is to methodically identify improvements, act on them, measure the results, and begin again. Here’s what we’re working on now.

We’ve finished a full carbon footprint analysis across both our glass and carton product ranges, identifying the key contributors in each case. Improvement actions are now being assessed.

We’re conducting a full audit of all company waste from a reuse, repurpose and recycle perspective, to achieve certified Zero Landfill status.
Our ultimate goal is Carbon neutrality. Everything we do is in service of one long-term ambition: to become a fully carbon-neutral bottled water producer. Pure water. Lighter footprint.

Find HyGo Natural Spring Water, drawn from the foothills of Devil’s Bit Mountain, North Tipperary.