Last Updated on: 22nd November 2023, 08:32 am
Bluewater, a leading provider of sustainable water and beverage solutions, has secured a new three-year contract with The R&A, golf’s governing body, to supply event hydration solutions and stainless steel refillable water bottles for The Open and AIG Women’s Open. The agreement, spanning from 2023 to 2025, will see Bluewater responsible for installing, operating, and managing its innovative on-site water stations at both prestigious championships.
Bluewater CEO, Bengt Rittri, expressed delight in continuing their partnership with The R&A, stating, “We are thrilled to be once again working with The R&A to provide sustainable hydration solutions at two of the sporting world’s most premium and forward-thinking major events.” He emphasised that Bluewater’s water stations and planet-friendly bottles offer an effective way to eliminate the need for single-use containers, making it an eco-conscious choice for players, fans, staff, and volunteers at both championships.
The water stations installed by Bluewater will be available for all golfers, on-site personnel, and the tens of thousands of fans attending The Open and AIG Women’s Open, offering a convenient and environmentally friendly way to stay hydrated throughout the day. Additionally, Bluewater will produce bespoke stainless steel refillable water bottles for players, caddies, and VIP Hospitality Guests, which will also be available for retail merchandise sale as a unique event souvenir with a strong environmental message. Bluewater’s premium ‘Player’s Edition’ bottles feature double-walled insulated construction to keep drinking water cold and refreshing.
The Open Water Project, a groundbreaking initiative launched by The R&A and Bluewater at The 148th Open at Royal Portrush in 2019, made The Open one of the first major sporting events to completely eliminate single-use plastic water bottles. Mastercard, an Official Patron of The Open, has proudly supported this initiative since 2021, using the platform to raise awareness and funding for global reforestation efforts through the Priceless Planet Coalition. Sustainability and innovation remain core drivers behind the project.
Mr. Rittri commended The R&A for their foresight and creativity in implementing a bold and future-proofed solution at these esteemed international events. He praised the organisation for leading by example in promoting sustainability across the sports industry, working together to champion change, one water refill, and one reusable bottle at a time. Bluewater’s hydration solutions, including indoor dispensers, use multi-stage water purification, including their patented SuperiorOsmosis™ Reverse Osmosis process, ensuring water purity by removing up to 99.7% of impurities.
By locally creating chilled and delicious drinking water on-site, Bluewater’s solutions eliminate the need for high-carbon manufacture and shipment of single-use containers. Their refillable vessels, made from non-leaching materials such as stainless steel and borosilicate glass, contribute to the reduction of single-use plastic waste. The collaboration between Bluewater and The R&A continues to make a significant impact on environmental responsibility while ensuring access to healthy drinking water free of toxic chemicals and microplastics throughout each championship event.
