The History of Bottled Water

The bottled water industry has become a ubiquitous feature of modern life, with millions of people around the world relying on bottled water as a source of hydration. However, the history of the bottled water industry is relatively recent, and its origins can be traced back to the early 19th century.

The first recorded instance of bottled water being sold on a commercial scale was in 1767, when a company in Boston began bottling and selling naturally carbonated water from a spring in New York. This water was believed to have medicinal properties and was marketed as a cure for a variety of ailments.

However, it wasn't until the late 19th century that the bottled water industry really began to take off. In Europe, mineral springs had been used for their medicinal properties for centuries, and many of these springs were eventually bottled and sold to the public. In the United States, the first commercially successful bottled water brand was Poland Spring, which was established in Maine in 1845.

Despite the popularity of bottled water, it remained a niche product until the 1970s. At this time, concerns over the safety and quality of public water supplies, as well as a growing interest in health and fitness, led to a surge in demand for bottled water.

One of the key drivers of this growth was the introduction of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic bottles in the 1970s. These bottles were lightweight, shatterproof, and could be produced at a much lower cost than glass bottles, making them more accessible to consumers.

In the 1980s and 1990s, the bottled water industry continued to grow rapidly, with many new brands and products entering the market. Companies began marketing bottled water as a healthier and more convenient alternative to tap water, and the industry's revenues soared.

However, the bottled water industry has also faced criticism and controversy. Many environmentalists argue that the production and disposal of plastic water bottles has a significant environmental impact, and that consumers should rely on reusable containers instead.  This is why, at Mountainwood we are proud to be environmentally conscious based on bottling at our source, sustainable production practices and using reusable bottles where possible.

Despite these concerns, the bottled water industry shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, the industry is expected to continue to grow in the coming years, driven by factors such as population growth, urbanization, and rising incomes in developing countries.

In conclusion, the bottled water industry has a relatively short but fascinating history, marked by technological innovations, changing consumer attitudes, and controversy. While the industry has faced criticism and challenges, it remains a significant and growing sector of the global economy and Mountainwood is proud to be at the forefront of the industry.