Highland Spring Group Promotes Healthy, Sustainable Hydration
Think of spring water in the UK and there is little doubt that Highland Spring will come to mind.
The Perthshire-based natural source water business is currently the UK‘s number one brand with total UK sales in 2023 of over 500 million litres; today, Highland Spring’s brand share of the total UK plain packaged water volumes sits at a healthy 13%. It is also Britain’s leading exporter of water worldwide, providing healthy hydration in over 30 countries across the globe.
Its current position as the UK’s leading natural source water brand is testament to the vision and foresight of its founders when the company launched in 1979; a time when the entire market for bottled water was less than 30 million litres a year.
The company has remained privately-owned under the same family ever since, and the all-important decision to ensure from inception that their land was protected and free from any kind of pollution, pesticides, or habitation, continues to serve them well.
This trailblazing strategy that meant Highland Spring was the first natural source, bottled water brand in the UK to have its catchment area certified as organic by the Soil Association since 2001. In addition, it has been named a leading ethical bottled water brand by The Good Shopping Guide for the last 16 years.
Crucially, the early adoption of sound environmental principles has gone on to shape the brand in its entirety, which comprises an impressive roadmap of initiatives that the company has laid out to support the business on a journey to net zero by 2040.
Emily Bond, Head of Sustainability said, “The business is focused on reducing absolute scope 1, 2, and 3 greenhouse gas emissions by 90% from a 2019 base year and reaching net zero emissions by 2040. The Group is one of the UK’s first natural source water companies to have their targets approved in line with Science Based Target Initiative (SBTi) Net-Zero Standard.”
The SBTi verification is an important milestone and demonstrates the business commitment to tackling climate change which includes working collaboratively with suppliers to maximise opportunities to reduce emissions across its entire operations - from source to shelf.
Additionally, the business is committed to transparency and improvements in sustainability reporting and actions. In 2023, for the first time the company reported its environmental impact to the Climate Disclosure Project (CDP), a not-for-profit charity that runs a global environmental disclosure system. CDP is widely used and considered to be one of the most comprehensive independent environmental data sets available. The company achieved a CDP rating of a B classification for 2023, demonstrating a commitment to continued transparency, tackling climate change, and transitioning towards a net zero future.
Sustainable Transport
As a national and global supplier, it will come as little surprise to learn that transport is responsible for around 30% of Highland Spring’s carbon footprint.
In 2023, a new rail freight facility in Blackford became operational, making it Scotland’s first, dedicated, rail freight distribution line by a private company in over a decade. The facility delivers products from their production lines to their external warehouse in Daventry, daily.
Working in partnership with Network Rail, Transport Scotland and the Scottish Government, this ambitious project, which was in the making since 2012, reduces the Group’s environmental impact by removing 8,000 HGV movements from the road and saving 3,200 tonnes of CO2 every year.
Emily Bond, Head of Sustainability said, “The company believes this project is an excellent example of the power of partnership-working between the rail industry, government and business, providing wider benefits to the Scottish environment and economy.”
As well as the obvious reduction in carbon emissions, the project is also bringing benefits to the community at a local level. Being a considerate neighbour is a priority for the Group and it is committed to maintaining strong relationships with the local Blackford community.
“The original plans used an existing rail connection at the eastern end of the site; however, this would have resulted in the level crossing being closed for prolonged periods when the train accessed and exited the site, causing disruption to local traffic flow.
“A revised design was developed with Network Rail for a new rail connection at the western end of the site which provided multiple benefits for the local community and improved the operational efficiency of the facility.”
Their good neighbour policy has also seen a mindful approach to design, which has been ‘sensitively created to minimise noise and visual impact.’ And, in addition, the rail contractor Story upgraded the path to the village cemetery which has been gratefully received by the community.
The facility has been designed with long-term goals in mind. The Scottish Government’s target to decarbonise the railway by 2035 will see the electrification of the mainline, allowing the company to move to electric trains at the same time.
Additionally, a new 7-megawatt, 15-acre solar farm is currently in development which will provide 20% of the Blackford site’s electricity needs. As part of the Group’s commitment to the local community, a free-of-charge electricity supply will be provided to the local school and a network of EV car chargers will be put into place for community use.
Closing the Loop
Highland Spring Group’s state of the art production line in Blackford can fill at speeds of 73,000 bottles per hour, using some of the fastest and most technologically advanced machinery in the UK. Upgrades to its plant over the years have reduced energy consumption by up to 30%.
Exploring new sustainable packaging formats, and reducing the amount of packaging the business uses, also remains a central part of its sustainability strategy.
Emily Bond, Head of Sustainability said, “Innovation is crucial to business development and Highland Spring was the first major water brand to launch a bottle made from 100% recycled PET plastic (cap and label excluded), which along with the rest of our bottles is 100% recyclable.
“Developments such as this, continuously help move us closer to creating a truly circular economy, whereby no plastic is wasted, and this valuable material stays ‘in the loop.’
“Currently we are working with UK, Scottish and Welsh Governments on the development of an aligned and interoperable UK Deposit Return Scheme which will increase recycling, reduce litter, lower carbon emissions, and provide good quality materials to use in our products.”
Land and Water Stewardship
To support their organic certification for the catchment area in The Ochil Hills, Perthshire - and building on their commitment to land and water stewardship - Highland Spring appointed a ‘Guardian of the Source,’ a role that is held today by the Group’s Head of Technical, Alex Haken.
Alex and his team ensure the land and water source are protected 365 days a year, making sure every drop of Highland Spring water is as pure as nature intended.
The rain that falls on the catchment is naturally filtered over many years, through the rock, to depths of up to 300 feet before making its way to Blackford and into bottles in its natural source condition. However, only 3% of the rain that falls on the catchment is harvested ensuring its long-term sustainability as a water source for generations to come.
The company is also working with Forth Rivers Trust on a biodiversity programme to support healthy eco-systems and to increase the flora, fauna and wildlife across their land by 2025.
This includes an ongoing tree planting programme; over 2,000 trees and shrubs have been planted to date which helps with natural flood management and provides an all-year-round food source, and shelter, for a variety of insects and mammals.
Building on Success
Highland Spring core products have remained the same since the first bottle was produced in 1980 – still and sparkling natural source water. Today, the brand strategy is focused on meeting evolving consumer needs and new consumption occasions.
For example, brand investment and innovation saw the introduction of a new Highland Spring Flavoured Still Water range in April 2024, which aims to meet consumer demand for great tasting, healthier drinks. This launch has been supported by a £10 million investment at the Group’s main site in Blackford, Perthshire which will provide circa 25% (100 million litres) of extra growth capability every year.
“The business will continue to drive forward its long- term strategy to invest in and develop innovative products which provide healthy hydration in an environmentally sustainable way.”
Find out more:
Website: highlandspring.com
LinkedIn: Highland Spring Ltd
