Why hotels and eateries must rethink bottled water
Relying on single-use bottled water carries hidden costs that hotels, cafés, and restaurants can no longer afford to ignore. In the UK alone, 7.7 billion plastic bottles are bought yearly, with over 40% ending up in landfills, incinerators, or the ocean. This contributes 1% of global greenhouse gas emissions in the hospitality sector alone. With new regulatory requirements and the push for more ethical corporate targets, businesses face pressure to become more sustainable in their approach to hydration. Our Bubbling Under Campaign found that 83% of global travellers now expect hotels to have sustainable practices in place, and 41% of consumers see refill stations as the best way to reduce waste in hospitality.
Furthermore, bottled water can place a significant and often overlooked strain on hospitality budgets. Managing plastic waste is costly and resource-intensive, with added complications, such as storage, transport, refrigeration, and disposal, which drive up energy use and operational costs.
A BRITA water dispenser offers a more sustainable solution. Mains-fed and plumbed directly into your water supply eliminates the need for bottled water entirely. That means no more transportation, storage, or disposal costs, just fresh water on demand, with less waste and lower running costs for your business.
Discover more about water dispensers for hotels and how to create a sustainable experience from check-in to check-out.
Water sustainability: a competitive advantage
Sustainable water solutions are no longer just a trend, they’re a necessity. As guest expectations rise, particularly among millennial and Gen Z travellers, sustainability has become a key factor in their accommodation choices. Our survey reveals that 73% of guests are willing to pay more for eco-friendly options, and 75% would happily refill their reusable bottles at a water dispenser during their stay. With 94% of hospitality leaders prioritising sustainability in their purchasing decisions and 72% aiming to reduce their environmental impact, adopting an on-demand water solution is crucial to staying ahead in the competitive hospitality industry.
At BRITA, we understand the challenges that come with implementing a water program, from technical know-how to ensuring the right solutions are in the right places. That’s why we offer tailored consultation to guide hotels through the process. From planning and installation to ongoing customer service, we manage everything, ensuring seamless integration and helping you achieve your sustainability goals. BRITA water dispensers produce up to 86% fewer carbon emissions than bottled water, while reducing waste, saving energy, and supporting initiatives like Green Key certification - all while enhancing guest wellbeing.
Want to learn more? Read how BRITA can support your sustainability goals and discover the benefits of BRITA water dispensers for hospitality
How to reduce water costs and increase revenue with a BRITA dispenser
BRITA’s mains-fed filtration systems remove the need for bottled water, helping you cut costs across delivery, storage, and waste management. Designed with the needs of hospitality in mind, our hot and cold water dispensers provide a consistent supply of great-tasting, filtered water on demand. Innovative features like automatic shut-off, pre-measured dispensing, and overflow prevention reduce the risk of spills, minimise water waste, and lower energy use by up to 60% by powering down when not in use. Our hot water dispensers also heat only what is needed, improving energy efficiency and saving on utility bills.
Switching to BRITA filtered water also creates a new revenue stream for hotel restaurants and bars. By offering filtered water on the menu instead of costly bottled water, hotels can boost their water margins by over 99%, resulting in a 27% increase in profit per bottle. This not only supports sustainability but also enhances your bottom line, offering a cost-effective way to deliver high-quality water to guests while driving additional income.
The results speak for themselves. Novotel London Tower Bridge replaced bottled water with BRITA dispensers and eliminated 70,000 bottles annually, achieving a 30% cost saving. That is up to £155,000 saved for a 400-room hotel operating at 85% occupancy. Want to see how much your business could save? Contact our team today.
Read our Why BRITA page for more information on the benefits of installing a water dispenser in your hospitality business.
Related: Supporting hotels in their sustainability transformation
Operational efficiency meets guest satisfaction
Beyond financial benefits, BRITA water dispensers help elevate the guest experience while saving valuable time and resources across your hotel, restaurant, or café. Switching to a refillable bottle solution with BRITA reduces labour demands by over 40% compared to managing single-use glass bottled water. Their sleek designs seamlessly integrate in key locations, from hotel lobbies and restaurant kitchens to bar countertops, providing a convenient, reliable source of high-quality drinking water that is easy for both staff and guests to access.
With chilled, ambient, sparkling, semi-sparkling, or instant hot water, BRITA dispensers reduce reliance on bottled water and cut down on time spent unpacking crates or waiting for kettles to boil. It is a more efficient way to serve, supporting a smoother, more premium customer experience.
Every dispenser feature BRITA’s advanced filtration technology, removing up to 99.9% of bacteria and impurities for clean, great-tasting water that enhances both hygiene and flavour. For added impact, businesses can serve filtered water in elegant, reusable bottles customised with their own branding, helping reduce plastic waste while creating a distinctive, sustainable impression guests will remember.
Where can water dispensers make a difference in hospitality?
BRITA’s flexible hydration solutions are suitable for a wide selection of locations across hotels, restaurants, cafés, and bars, allowing your guests access to clean drinking water during their visit. Our expert team can install your BRITA water dispenser in a range of key locations across your hospitality space, including:
- Hotel lobbies: Providing quick access to still, sparkling, or hot water - ideal for guest refreshment on arrival.
- Hotel rooms and corridors: Our mains-fed dispensers with reusable bottles reduce in-room plastic waste.
- Bars and restaurants: With advanced filtration and a choice of still or sparkling water, BRITA dispensers cut the cost and carbon footprint of bottled alternatives, perfect for serving premium water or crafting a wide range of drinks.
- Cafés: Instant hot water dispensers are a convenient and sustainable way to make coffee, teas, and other hot and cold beverages.
- Hotel spas and gyms: Convenient, luxurious hydration options create an elegant feel while supporting guest hydration and well-being.
- Conference and banquet halls: Self-service units and glass bottles add elegance while minimising waste.
- Staff areas: Keep your team refreshed with dedicated hydration stations.
Ready to take the next step in sustainable hospitality? Contact our expert team today to discover a personalised water solution that reduces costs, enhances the guest experience, and boosts efficiency across your hotel, restaurant, or café.