Premium water brand Wenlock Spring is reinforcing its long-standing commitment to sustainability with plans to further reduce its carbon emissions, increase renewable energy use, and advance sustainable packaging.
The Shropshire-based company, which has spent decades protecting its land and water source, is taking further steps to ensure its operations leave a positive environmental legacy.
From investing in solar power and biomass energy to pioneering sustainable packaging solutions, it’s embedding sustainability into every aspect of its business.
It follows a successful 12 months where it has continued to demonstrate its commitment to delivering premium hydration while addressing environmental and social challenges with the launch of its new-look recyclable cans and groundbreaking partnerships.
Matthew Orme, Director of Wenlock Spring, said the company’s approach to sustainability was not about following trends but staying true to its values.
“Sustainability isn’t an add-on for us - it’s who we are,” he said.
“As a family-run business, we take our responsibility to the environment personally. Our land, our water, and our business are all connected, and every decision we make is about protecting and preserving them for future generations.”
Wenlock Spring has expanded its use of renewable energy with the installation of 741 solar panels, cutting carbon emissions by 175 tonnes - the equivalent of planting over 10,000 trees.
Its on-site carbon-neutral biomass boilers now provide the company’s hot water needs, reducing energy consumption by 24 per cent.
The business has also focused on regenerative agriculture by growing 25 acres of Miscanthus grass, a fast-growing crop that fuels its biomass boilers and locks away 1,000 tonnes of CO2 in the soil while providing a habitat for wildlife.
A further 1,700 trees have been planted, capturing 35 tonnes of CO2 per year and strengthening biodiversity around the company’s protected spring, which dates back to 1086.
Wenlock Spring has also implemented an advanced heat recovery system that has reduced energy consumption by 22 per cent.
It recovers air from its rPET bottle blower to reduce compressed air usage, while also capturing waste heat from air compressors to heat water, which is stored for later use.
Further efficiency gains have been made by upgrading to a single high-efficiency compressor, which uses significantly less energy than the three older compressors it replaced.
“Our responsibility goes beyond simply producing great-tasting natural spring water. It’s about how we do it, and that means using renewable energy, protecting biodiversity, and continuously improving our environmental impact,” Mr Orme said.
Sustainable packaging remains a key focus for Wenlock Spring, which was among the first UK water brands to introduce recycled PET (rPET) bottles.
The company has pioneered lighter-weight glass bottles made with 40 per cent recycled glass, reducing the raw material required and lowering carbon emissions.
Its aluminium cans, which can be recycled and remade within 60 days, provide an alternative for eco-conscious consumers seeking a sustainable hydration option.
Mr Orme said the company is determined to lead by example when it comes to responsible packaging.
“We’ve always believed that sustainability should be built into the very core of our business. That’s why we’ve invested in making our bottles and cans as sustainable as possible, whether through lightweight glass, 100 per cent recyclable PET, or recyclable aluminium. The industry must keep pushing forward, and we want to be at the forefront of that movement,” he said.
Looking ahead, Wenlock Spring is continuing to expand its sustainability initiatives.
The company is planning to increase its use of solar power, create more wildlife corridors by planting additional hedgerows, and invest in technology to further reduce its environmental impact.
“Sustainability is not a box-ticking exercise for us. It’s an ongoing commitment to doing better, thinking smarter, and making a real difference. We’ve been looking after this land for decades, and we intend to keep doing so in a way that ensures future generations can enjoy it too,” Mr Orme said.
As the demand for premium, sustainable hydration continues to grow, Wenlock Spring is also setting its sights on expanding its presence in the hospitality, education and travel sectors in 2025.
“Hospitality, education and travel are critical areas where we see tremendous potential for growth,” Mr Orme said.
“Our water is already making a difference in schools, onboard trains, and in hospitality venues, but we’re eager to do more. By working with businesses in these sectors, we can help make sustainable hydration accessible to even more people.”
Mr Orme expects the no and low-alcohol market to keep growing this year as health-conscious consumers increasingly turn to premium alternatives to sugary soft drinks and alcoholic beverages.
“Consumers are seeking healthier options, and water remains the healthiest and most sustainable choice.
“As this trend continues, we’re committed to staying ahead of the curve and providing solutions that cater to evolving consumer preferences,” he added.