A Cheddar-based business has partnered with a water brand to launch a sustainable water bottle made from plastic otherwise destined for the ocean.

Cheddar Natural Spring Water is supplying NEO WTR with spring water bottled at source from the 400-acre Cheddar Gorge estate.

The 500ml bottle is the first made from ocean-bound plastic that would have polluted seas and waterways, and is available from Tesco stores across Somerset an the UK.

Projections suggest that by 2050 our oceans could contain more plastic than fish by weight. NEO WTR has developed the first bottled soft drink made from 100% recycled Prevented Ocean Plastic to help mitigate against environmental damage.

Tabitha Urch, from Cheddar Natural Spring Water, said: “We’ve been bottling our delicious natural spring water for over 15 years, but people become more aware of pollution challenges with the packaging that we use to keep our food and drink fresh.

“It’s wonderful to work with a company who are one step ahead and offer a more sustainable packaging alternative.”

NEO WTR managing director Nigel McNally said: “The pressure is mounting on soft drinks manufacturers to provide solutions to prevent a global disaster.  

"We've worked incredibly hard to bring this extremely worthwhile product to market. NEO WTR is a first for the soft drinks category and a massive advancement in packaging. Our 100% Prevented Ocean Plastic bottle, offers an environmentally positive option that actively tackles the growing problem of ocean plastic.”

With 80% of ocean plastic entering via rivers and coastlines, each NEO WTR bottle prevents 1.7 plastic bottles from polluting the ocean, using discarded plastic collected from at-risk coastlines.

Nigel said: “I'm proud knowing that we are helping combat ocean-bound waste plastic in regions that do not have the infrastructure to manage it, whilst also supporting the collectors in these areas to earn a fair and reliable wage, whilst helping to build recycling infrastructure and good working conditions.”

“The bottle is already made of recycled plastic and can be fully recycled in the usual way, so not only is it protecting marine life but also reducing the amount of virgin plastic produced to package our soft drinks.  This in turn lowers the carbon emissions related to the production process.”

The plastic meets regulatory health and safety standards, is traceable back to source in Somerset it can be bought for £1.25 for 500ml. www.neowtr.co.uk