BE WTR INAUGURATES ITS FIRST FULLY AUTOMATIC BOTTLING SITE IN UAE

Dubai – Asdaf News:

Destination Mina Seyahi and BE WTR have advanced to phase two of their sustainability strategy following the 2022 announcement to enter a long-term partnership with the installation of the “BiG 1500” – a fully automated bottling solution that provides local filtered water, still or sparkling, in reusable, encapsulated glass & stainless steel bottles.

Through the proliferation of reusable glass bottles and the installation of a cutting-edge filtration system to make the local tap water safe to drink, Destination Mina Seyahi is dedicated to promoting more environmentally friendly water usage. The commitment will result in the replacement of 1,500,000 single-use plastic water bottles with reusable, refillable drinking water in glass bottles for the complex’s 830 rooms and all of its restaurants. The third and final phase will welcome the product to non-guest facing areas, including employee spaces, and will completed by Q4 2023.

The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort, and W Dubai – Mina Seyahi will all benefit from the introduction of the on-site bottling solution at Destination Mina Seyahi. The cutting-edge filtration system developed by BE WTR will remove chlorine, bacteria, microparticles, and other impurities from the local tap water while preserving essential minerals like calcium and magnesium. The sanitary system generates great-tasting local water that is still and effervescent.

By limiting the use of refrigeration for cold water and restricting the shipping of globally branded water to only glass bottles, the program also intends to promote the reduction of carbon footprint.

Thanks to its patented BiG 1500 innovation, BE WTR overcomes the issues of bottled water and offers a solution to unnecessary shipping and the creation of single-use plastic bottles. BE WTR’s mission is to offer brand excellence, quality, and locally sourced sustainable water. The BiG 1500 maintains a premium brand image and a 100% circular model while significantly reducing the carbon impact of Destination Mina Seyahi.

Mike Hecker, founder of BE WTR said “Hoteliers need to offer their customers, who are more and more demanding in terms of environment, a water solution that respects the environment while providing a quality brand with a great story to tell. The best solution is completely local water, which promotes the history of a region and its culture. I am proud to open the first BiG 1500 in the Middle East and look forward to supporting Destination Mina Seyahi’s green goals.”

Tolga Lacin, Area General Manager, Marriott International comments: “Our sustainability journey continues as we move to the next phase of the BE WTR project we remain committed to go single-use plastic free by the end of 2023. Today we reach a significant milestone as we unveil the BiG 1500 which will service the whole of Destination Mina Seyahi. The bespoke bottling plant has been designed to provide all our guests, across rooms and restaurants, with fresh, filtered, bottle-on-site, still and sparking water. By removing 1,500,000 plastic bottles from our operation annually we are protecting the environment, reinforcing our social values and practicing sustainable tourism, supporting both Dubai Can and the Dubai Sustainable Tourism (DST) initiative.”

The collaboration between the hotels and BE WTR continues to support the Dubai Can initiative which calls on residents to turn the tide on plastic and has inspired mass action to actively reduce the use of single-use plastic bottles. The initiative was launched by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai and is being implemented by Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).