Research Results

Reusable bottles are clearly the best option for our planet, but there are situations where their use is not possible or practical. So instead, we’re left with the question, what packaged water is better for the environment?

Looking at recycling isn’t enough. Plastic and aluminum production is increasing while recycling rates drop. The latest data shows 5% of plastic is recycled. Boxed Water commissioned Anthesis Group, a third-party research organization, to look at the bigger picture and conduct a three-month research process to compare the environmental impact of a Boxed Water carton to a PET plastic water bottle and aluminum canned water. Beyond the clear benefits of our renewable, plant-based materials, Anthesis found that Boxed Water cartons have a lower total environmental impact than plastic bottled water and aluminum cans.

What's an LCA?

For Boxed Water's Lifecycle Assessment (LCA), researchers examined the comparative lifecycle of each product from “cradle to grave,” meaning they looked at everything from production to retail distribution to end-of-life and waste management. Their results generated an environmental profile of each product that could be examined for its impact.

*This study is consistent with the International standards for LCA: ISO 14040:2006 and ISO 14044:2006

Researchers evaluated the impact of the three packaged water options on environmental concerns like ozone depletion and global warming throughout a full product lifecycle. For example, the mining of aluminum creates a toxic red mud that has contaminated waterways and communities. Plastic bottles release greenhouse gasses into our atmosphere throughout their entire lifespan, from oil drilling during production to their decomposition in landfills and oceans, which is where 95% of plastic ends up. Boxed Water cartons, however, are made from renewable resources and sources its water close to consumers.