Encirc strengthens Belu partnership with water coolers installation

Encirc has further copper-fastened its relationship with social enterprise Belu by installing over 30 of their filtration water coolers in both its Elton and Bristol sites with plans in motion to do likewise in Derrylin.

Glass bottle manufacturer and filler Encirc, a Vidrala Group company, is the sole supplier of Belu’s 330ml and 750 ml bottles.

In 2020, Encirc partnered with Belu to revolutionise their glass container packaging by producing 330ml bottles and 750ml bottles that were 20g and 35g less in weight respectively thereby minimising the carbon footprint of Belu’s mineral water range.

Encirc and Belu’s sustainability values are closely aligned and the 2020 partnership allowed Belu to continue its work in changing the way people think about water while Encirc broke new ground in terms of UK manufacturing and lightweighting.

The two companies have a strong working relationship. Belu spoke at Encirc’s Inspiring Great conference in March last year at which a fundraising initiative amassed over £8,000 for WaterAid. Encirc also raises funds at their annual golf day for customers at the Belfry.

Indeed, Encirc continues to innovate as it looks to further decarbonise glass production and look for sustainable supply chain solutions across its bottle filling and distribution operations.

100 per cent of Belu’s net profit is invested in WaterAid, a charity working to bring clean water, decent toilets, and good hygiene to everyone everywhere. Since 2011, Belu has given £5.5 million to support WaterAid’s mission.

Belu also offers filtration systems that deliver still and sparkling, chilled, cold, and hot filtered water for hospitality and workplaces.

Encirc Sustainability Director Fiacre O’Donnell said: “Our sustainability strategy at Encirc is based on our 4Ps of people, place, planet and prosperity.

“We take a responsible approach to all that we do in our business and partnering with like-minded companies such as Belu, who in turn support WaterAid, is a great example of how collaboration can help Encirc achieve our sustainability strategy. We also want to make our factories a great place to work and these state-of-the-art water coolers are a great addition in keeping staff hydrated and healthy.”

Georgie Murray, Brand and Impact Partnerships Lead at Belu said: “We’re very proud to work with such a forward-thinking partner in this space, actively seeking to reduce their carbon emissions and continually improve furnace innovations to lessen environmental impact.

“We visited the Elton site last year as a team and it was fascinating to see all the machinery and technology up close. Encirc and Belu’s relationship has gone from strength to strength with their support of our work and partnership with WaterAid.”

In Elton, Encirc has installed 16 cold or room temperature coolers, 10 cold, chilled and sparkling coolers and in Bristol four cold, chilled and sparkling coolers.

Two further cold, chilled and sparkling coolers have been placed at Encirc’s conference and meeting resource at the Hub in Chester.

All these systems reduce waste, storage requirements, and carbon footprint, eliminating the need for single use bottles and encouraging the use of refillables.