Inside Costco // Supplier Spotlight
© COURTESY OF BRITA
Keeping it clean
Brita pours its energy into sustainability
by DAN JONES
Brita—the company that produces BPA- and BPS-free pitchers, filters and other water-related products—launched its first jug in 1970.
As it has grown and evolved, Brita’s biggest goal remains powerfully simple. “We [want to] make water better for people and the planet,” says Elizabeth Knipmeyer, the associate director of research and development at Brita.
Sustainability is front and center at the company, through its water systems that replace plastic bottles, a focus on better packaging, and a commitment to supply-chain efficiency, says Jon Schlesinger, vice president and general manager at Brita.
"Some of those bottles get recycled, but some go into landfills,” says Schlesinger, who is a Costco member. “That could mean plastic in the oceans, affecting wildlife. That’s the biggest benefit of switching to [filtered water].”
Knipmeyer adds, “We are looking to get zero plastic waste from packaging into landfills by 2030, lower our carbon and plastic footprint, and be completely curbside recyclable with 100% recyclable fiber packaging.”
Brita’s new 10-cup Champlain pitcher—which is sold exclusively at Costco—has an LED display that lights up to give real-time feedback on the filter and features 18% less packaging and plastic than the previous model. The company assessed the pitcher’s structure and realized a plastic sleeve that went into the reservoir could be removed.
“You can replace 1,800 single-use plastic bottles per year using it,” Knipmeyer states. Brita’s packaging also continues to improve, she says; the company made a 10% reduction in packaging by shortening the tray that goes around the bottom. “Over 90% is now recyclable or reusable, and we continue to innovate on materials we choose,” she says, adding that Brita hopes to be at 100% by 2025.
Brita also improved the company’s supply-chain efficiency by recently expanding its manufacturing sites outside of Asia. Says Schlesinger, “We are excited to be on this journey to improve the environment.”
Sustainable actions
Small changes can make a big impact in improving the environment. Here are a few tips from Brita on ways you can help.
- Travel with a reusable water bottle when you’re on the go.
- Carry reusable shopping totes to avoid disposable bags.
- Avoid using plastic foam and other non-recyclable materials.
- Reuse and repurpose plastic that might otherwise be thrown away, like storing snacks, nuts or sugar in clean, empty containers. Transform washed milk jugs into mini herb gardens, piggy banks or do-it-yourself bird feeders.
- If you do use plastic products, recycle appropriately.—DJ
Costco Connection: The Brita Champlain 10-cup (Item 1512822) and replacement filters (Item 987554), are available in Costco warehouses and at Costco.com.
