The Luxury Water Revolution: Redefining Sustainability in the Hospitality Industry
In the world of fine dining, every detail matters. From the freshest ingredients to the finest linens, restaurants like Singapore’s three-Michelin-starred Restaurant Zen spare no expense in providing an exceptional experience. But what about the humble glass of water? At Zen, you won’t find Evian or San Pellegrino on the menu. Instead, the restaurant serves water from Nordaq, a Swedish company that’s changing the way luxury establishments think about hydration.
A Sustainable Alternative
Nordaq’s innovative approach involves purifying and bottling local tap water on-site, eliminating the need for transportation and reducing single-use plastic bottles. With over 140 Michelin-starred restaurants and 700 luxury hotels, casinos, and cruise ships already on board, Nordaq is leading the charge against unnecessary waste. “Transportation of water over water doesn’t make sense,” says CEO Johanna Mattsson. “That’s what we want to eliminate.”
A Greener Future
Nordaq’s eco-friendly bottles are designed for reuse, with no plastic labeling and wide mouths for easy cleaning. Each bottle is securely capped and date-stamped after refilling, ensuring a seamless experience for customers. Mandarin Oriental Singapore has taken it a step further, installing Nordaq’s water system in its rooms, restaurants, spa, and gym. The hotel’s bottling facility can produce 500 bottles of purified water per hour, processing up to 2,000 bottles daily.
A Growing Trend
Nordaq is not alone in the premium sustainable water market. Castalie water is present in over 700 French hotels, while Purezza water is served in over 5,000 venues across 13 countries. ITC Hotels, an Indian hospitality company, has created its own “zero-mile” water brand, SunyaAqua, to reduce single-use plastic bottles in its 140 hotels. Be WTR, a Swiss sustainable water brand, operates inside hotels and through centralized facilities, aiming to minimize transportation and carbon footprint.
A Profitable Proposition
Companies like Be WTR and Nordaq claim that their sustainable water solutions not only reduce waste but also generate significant profits for their clients. Be WTR’s first bottling plant at Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi saved over one million imported bottles a year, creating a considerable profit for the hotel. Nordaq’s Mattsson estimates that each bottle of its water costs between 11 cents and 21 cents to produce, but sells for much more. Luxury hotels can charge up to four times the production cost for a single bottle, making sustainable water a lucrative business opportunity.
The Future of Luxury Hospitality
As consumers become increasingly environmentally conscious, the demand for sustainable solutions in the hospitality industry is on the rise. With companies like Nordaq, Be WTR, and Purezza leading the way, it’s clear that the luxury water revolution is here to stay. Whether you’re sipping on a glass of Nordaq at Restaurant Zen or enjoying a refreshing bottle of Purezza at a luxury hotel, one thing is certain – the future of luxury hospitality is green, sustainable, and profitable.
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