Water and Beverages Industry Earth5R© Partnership case study: Driving plastic recovery for a leading European water brand

 Water and Beverages Industry

Earth5R© Partnership case study: Driving plastic recovery for a leading European water brand

ABOUT THE COMPANY

This European beverage company, renowned for its premium water, sought to address its supply chain footprint by initiating a large-scale plastic recovery and recycling program. Faced with growing regulatory demands and consumer scrutiny over carbon footprint, the company partnered with Earth5R to create a holistic, community-driven solution.

THE PROBLEM STATEMENT

The beverage industry’s reliance on plastic packaging was becoming a growing concern as European regulators began enforcing stricter waste management policies. Additionally, the company faced challenges in aligning its plastic waste recovery efforts with community engagement and circular economy principles, while also needing a structured reporting mechanism for its ESG goals.

EARTH5R’S INTERVENTION & SOLUTION

Earth5R deployed its advanced plastic recovery and recycling platform, helping the company design and implement a large-scale plastic credit program. Key actions included:

1. Plastic Recovery and Recycling Initiatives: Earth5R organized large-scale plastic recovery efforts across local communities in Mithi River area at Mumbai, enabling the company to recover plastic waste generated from its products. The program was integrated by developing supply chain with local recycling facilities to ensure proper disposal and repurposing of plastic waste.

2. Plastic Credit System: Earth5R partnered with a Europe based blockchain company and introduced a plastic credit model, allowing the company to offset its caron footprint. For every kilogram of plastic collected, the company earned plastic credits, which were incorporated into its ESG reporting, enhancing its transparency and accountability.

3. Community Livelihood and Circular Economy: The program was designed around the principles of the circular economy, creating jobs in local communities by employing residents in the plastic collection and sorting process. This livelihood-driven approach not only reduced waste but also strengthened the local economy.

OUTCOMES

1. Plastic Recovery at Scale: Through Earth5R’s intervention, the company successfully recovered 2,500 tons of plastic waste within the first year, significantly reducing its environmental footprint and meeting regulatory requirements in Europe.

2. Plastic Credits for ESG Reporting: The company leveraged the plastic credit system to transparently report its plastic recovery efforts, improving its ESG performance and boosting investor confidence. This also led to a 30% improvement in its sustainability ratings.

3. Empowering Local Communities: The plastic recovery program provided employment opportunities to over 1,200 individuals, integrating them into a circular economy that contributed to long-term social and environmental benefits.

4. CO2 Reduction: The program is estimated to have prevented approximately 4,200 

5. metric tons of CO2 emissions annually by diverting plastic waste from landfills and incineration.

6. Regulatory Compliance: Successfully aligned with EU regulations, such as the Single-Use Plastics Directive, helping to avoid fines that can range from €100,000 to €1 million for non-compliance.

7. Brand Reputation: Surveys showed a 15% increase in consumer loyalty and positive brand perception among eco-conscious consumers, translating to an estimated €10 million increase in revenue.

THE ROAD AHEAD

The beverage company plans to expand its plastic credit and recovery efforts across multiple regions, using Earth5R’s platform to drive even greater environmental and social impact. With Earth5R’s continued support, the company is poised to achieve its goal of full plastic neutrality by 2028.

By embedding Earth5R’s community-focused circular economy model, the company not only addresses its plastic waste but also enhances its role as a sustainability leader in the global beverage industry.

About Earth5R Platform

Earth5R is an ESG and CSR “Action” platform that drives large-scale plastic recovery and recycling programs while integrating community livelihoods into circular economy frameworks. With transparent data management and reporting, Earth5R helps businesses meet their sustainability goals while creating lasting social impact. 

Earth5R’s work has contributed to offsetting over 954,000 tons of CO2, planting 87,000 trees, and engaging 1.3 million citizens globally. By leveraging technology through its award-winning app, Earth5R enables individuals, governments, and businesses to collaborate in building sustainable, resilient communities.​

ESG & CSR For Water Conservation Industry Case Study: Nationwide Water Conservation Awareness Program by Earth5R (2015-2023)

 ESG & CSR For Water Conservation Industry Case Study: Nationwide Water Conservation Awareness Program by Earth5R (2015-2023)

INTRODUCTION

India faces increasing water stress due to rapid urbanization and growing demand for water resources. To address this issue, Earth5R launched a nationwide water conservation awareness program between 2015 and 2023. This initiative involved 3,500 volunteers who educated residents on rainwater harvesting, wastewater recycling, and the adoption of water-efficient technologies. The program resulted in significant water savings and promoted sustainable water management across the country.

THE PROBLEM STATEMENT

Urban India relies heavily on external water sources, often at the expense of groundwater and local ecosystems. Water wastage is rampant due to outdated infrastructure and a lack of awareness around sustainable water practices. Without interventions such as rainwater harvesting, wastewater recycling, and reusing methods, cities will continue to face severe water shortages, especially during dry seasons.

EARTH5R’S INTERVENTION & SOLUTION

• Volunteer-Led Water Conservation Campaign: From 2015 to 2023, 3,500 Earth5R volunteers led awareness efforts in residential buildings across India. Each volunteer engaged one new building per month, educating residents about water conservation strategies, including rainwater harvesting, wastewater recycling, and reusing water through updated equipment like spray-based faucets and efficient taps.

• Sustained Outreach Effort: Over the eight-year period, the volunteers reached a total of:

• 3,500 volunteers x 12 months/year x 8 years = 336,000 buildings that received awareness programs on water conservation.

• Implementation of Water Conservation Systems: Out of these buildings, 7% adopted some form of water conservation system, including rainwater harvesting, wastewater recycling, and equipment upgrades. This resulted in:

• 336,000 buildings x 7% = 23,520 buildings implementing water-saving solutions.

• Water Savings: On average, each building that adopted water-saving measures reduced its water consumption by 5,000 liters per month through rainwater harvesting, wastewater reuse, and updated water systems. The total monthly water savings were:

• 23,520 buildings x 5,000 liters/month = 117.6 million liters of water saved per month.

• Over a year, this amounted to:

• 117.6 million liters/month x 12 months = 1.411 billion liters saved annually.

OUTCOMES

• Total Water Saved:

• Over the course of eight years, the total water saved across all participating buildings was:

• 1.411 billion liters/year x 8 years = 11.288 billion liters of water saved.

• Carbon Offset:

• By reducing the need for energy-intensive water extraction and transportation, water conservation practices offset carbon emissions. Saving 1,000 liters of water can avoid 0.37 kg of CO2 emissions. Therefore, the total carbon offset over eight years was:

• 11.288 billion liters / 1,000 liters x 0.37 kg CO2 = 4,177.56 tonnes of CO2 emissions avoided

• Economic Impact (Cost Savings):

• The cost of water in urban India averages around ₹20 per 1,000 liters. The total cost savings due to reduced water consumption over eight years were:

• 11.288 billion liters / 1,000 liters x ₹20 = ₹225.76 million (₹22.57 crores).

• Volunteering Hours:

• Each volunteer dedicated at least 5 hours per month to the awareness programs. Over eight years, the total volunteer hours contributed were:

• 3,500 volunteers x 5 hours/month x 12 months/year x 8 years = 1,680,000 volunteer hours.

• ESG KPIs:

• Environmental Impact:

• Total water saved: 11.288 billion liters.

• Carbon offset: 4,177.56 tonnes of CO2 emissions avoided.

• Increased use of rainwater harvesting and wastewater recycling systems across India.

• Social Impact:

• 
  

• 1.68 million volunteer hours contributed by Earth5R volunteers.

• 23,520 buildings adopted water conservation systems, promoting sustainable water use at the community level.

• Economic Impact:

• ₹22.57 crores in water cost savings due to reduced consumption.

• Behavioral Change:

• The program led to a significant behavioral shift among residents, with more buildings adopting water-saving technologies and practices. By raising awareness around water scarcity and conservation, Earth5R helped communities embrace long-term sustainable water management.

IMPACT ON WATER-RELATED BUSINESSES

This large-scale water conservation initiative presents a valuable opportunity for companies in the water industry, such as PepsiCo (Aquafina), Coca-Cola, and Bisleri, to partner with Earth5R. These companies are deeply invested in water sustainability and could leverage Earth5R’s program to align with their ESG goals, reduce their water footprint, and engage directly with communities in promoting water-efficient practices.

THE ROAD AHEAD

With the success of this program, Earth5R plans to expand its water conservation efforts to more cities, including corporate buildings and industrial areas. By continuing to promote water-saving technologies and sustainable practices, Earth5R aims to create long-term impact in India’s water-stressed urban environments.

About Earth5R

Earth5R is an ESG and CSR “Action” platform that mobilizes communities to take meaningful action on environmental issues. Focused on water management, waste management, and sustainability education, Earth5R drives significant environmental, social, and economic impact through its citizen-led initiatives.