Poland Spring(R) Lightens Up With New Eco-Shape(TM) Bottle

Poland Spring(R) Brand Natural Spring Water Provides the Same Healthful Beverage Now In a Bottle That Is Better for the Environment

HOLLIS, Maine, Nov. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Poland Spring's half-liter bottle has a new look, and it's more than just a pretty, ergonomic shape. With up to 30 percent less plastic than the average half-liter plastic beverage container, the new Eco-Shape(TM) bottle is the lightest half-liter plastic beverage container currently on store shelves(1). The innovative technology and engineering behind Eco-Shape maintain usability while reducing plastic content. And Eco-Shape is the latest initiative in Poland Spring's long- standing commitment to the environment.

Poland Spring Eco-Shape was designed for consumers who want the convenience of a healthful bottled beverage in a grab and go shape that is also more environmentally friendly. Eco-Shape feels lighter, even crunchy. In fact, it is the lightest half-liter plastic beverage bottle currently on store shelves, weighing 12.5 grams on average(1). In addition to less plastic, the label is 30 percent smaller than the previous label.

"Poland Spring is committed to conserving resources and caring for the environment," said Ron Dyer, Environmental Manager, Poland Spring Brand Natural Spring Water. "We have environmentally responsible manufacturing practices and are efficient users of water and energy. Reducing the amount of plastic in our half-liter bottle is another big step in our long tradition and track record of environmental stewardship."

In addition to the new Eco-Shape bottle, Poland Spring manages its bottling facilities and water resources in Maine with an eye toward long-term sustainability. The brand invests significantly in protecting the environment around its water supplies and, in partnership with The Nature Conservancy, has conserved 426,000 acres of valuable natural resources in the state.

Poland Spring also has progressive initiatives in place to reduce its environmental impact. For instance, 91% percent of materials from the bottling plants in Poland and Hollis, Maine are recycled. Coupled with efficient route planning, Poland Spring now runs its water tanker fleet on biodiesel fuel as a way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, the new bottling plant under construction in Kingfield, Maine will earn LEED(TM) (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, joining a recently certified addition to the Hollis plant.

Positive Consumer Response to Eco-Shape

Because it is more environmentally-friendly, consumers feel good about Eco-Shape. Four out of five consumers preferred the new Poland Spring half- liter Eco-Shape bottle to the previous half-liter bottle design. After learning this new bottle was better for the environment, Eco-Shape's eco- friendly design further increased consumer preference.

Poland Spring bottled spring water provides consumers of all ages with a healthful, on-the-go beverage option to enjoy any time of day. Obesity and health-related challenges continue to rise and choosing to drink water instead of sugary beverages is a healthy lifestyle choice. Now, the Poland Spring Eco- Shape bottle lets consumers enjoy the convenience and refreshment of bottled spring water while also helping minimize their own environmental footprint.

Poland Spring Eco-Shape is currently available throughout the northeastern region of the United States. In grocery stores, Poland Spring Eco-Shape is sold in a 6-pack with a suggested retail price (SRP) of $2.49 or in a 24-pack with a SRP of $4.99. In some markets it is also available in a 12-pack, 28- pack, or 35-pack.

(1) Based on a March, 2007 nationally conducted audit of half-liter bottles. Thirty four different half-liter bottles across the water, soda, and tea categories were weighed in twelve cities. On average, the Eco-Shape bottle was found to be the lightest half-liter bottle on the market, containing 30 percent less plastic when compared to the average of other beverages.

About Nestle Waters North America

Nestle Waters North America Inc. is the number one bottled water company in the U.S. Its family of 15 well-known brands includes Poland Spring(R) Brand Natural Spring Water, the leading spring water brand in America. Consumers around the U.S. enjoy other popular regional brands such as Arrowhead(R), Deer Park(R), Ice Mountain(R), Ozarka(R) and Zephyrhills(R). Nestle Waters North America also imports globally recognized bottled water brands such as Perrier(R) and S. Pellegrino(R). The company is related to Nestle Waters, based in Paris, the bottled water division of the Swiss company, Nestle, S.A.

About Nestle Waters North America Sustainability Commitment

Nestle Waters North America spring water brands come from carefully selected spring sources that are honored for their great-tasting water. These brands have a long history of sustainability. They are dedicated to creating beverages that are good for consumers -- and for the environment. They are committed to moving toward a lighter environmental footprint, from source to bottle.

Source: Nestle Waters