Water made by mountains
The source
In the mysterious depths of the northern Graubünden slate region lie St. Peter’s and St. Paul’s springs – the source of VALSER mineral water. It has been flowing through the rock for decades, showing off its purity flanked by the impressive beauty of the surrounding natural environment and a precious ecosystem. Our commitment is to both intensify sustainability efforts and protect biodiversity.
Three facts to go
- Isotope analyses are carried out every four years, most recently on samples from 2022.
- The water is made up of various components, including both older components (over 50 years old) and younger components.
- At St. Peter’s spring, the average residence time of the water is between 20 and 35 years.
- At St. Paul's spring, the average residence time of the water is a maximum of three years.
- This is a Ca-(Mg)-SO₄-HCO₃ water (calcium magnesium sulphate hydrogen carbonate water), which rises from the St. Peter’s spring.
- - The total mineralisation is 1,889 mg/l.
- The median values of the mineralisation vary depending on the water component:
- Boda spring version, approx. 1,900 mg/l
- New well source, approx. 1,850 mg/l
- Upper well approx. 1,600 mg/l
- The area around St. Paul’s Spring is 349,441 m², and St. Peter’s Spring 178,112 m². Together, this results in a total area of 527,553 m².
- For a better comparison: a football pitch has a surface area of around 7,140 m².
- If you divide the total area by the area of a football pitch (527,553 m² ÷ 7,140 m²), the result is around 74 football pitches.
Here, the protection zones can be viewed in detail by selecting the corresponding areas or zones.
The source expert
“We work closely with the VALSER bottling plant to manage the unique spring area from which VALSER water originates from a geological point of view. Our goal is to protect this valuable resource through continuous monitoring and consultation for sustainable extraction in the long term.”
Thomas Stoll
Dr. Roland Wyss GmbH
Responsibility in the catchment area
Water appreciation
We have been involved in responsible water use programmes for years. We understand our influence in the local catchment area and take our responsibility very seriously. In this context, we regularly seek data-based dialogue with authorities, politicians, residents and other local stakeholders in order to identify and minimise risks and jointly protect water resources in a sustainable way. One example of these concrete measures is expert-supported water level monitoring.
The greatest influence we can have is to ensure that as little fresh water as possible is lost during bottling. One way we do this is by paring down our cleaning processes. In addition, source protection is of the utmost priority to us. We regularly work with experts to ensure that we are working at the highest level in terms of source protection and infrastructure. For example, we implement a group-wide, widely supported water management programme that identifies risks at regular intervals and in varying intensities, from which concrete measures may result. The protection zones around our springs regulate the use of land (such as the use of pesticides) so that nothing stands in the way of the impeccable quality of our water.
Biodiversity
Through the comprehensive biodiversity study we conducted at our Vals site in 2023, we have gained a better understanding and appreciation of the diverse ecosystems and habitats in and around Vals. This includes a rich variety of plant and animal species in the mountain meadows, flowing waters and alpine habitats, which need to be protected and promoted. According to the study, our production facility is located in a region with rich biodiversity and geological diversity, serving as an important interface between industrial activity and the local ecosystem. The study revealed that biodiversity in the region is generally in good condition. Furthermore, the study has provided us with valuable insights to capture the ecological context of Vals holistically, allowing us to plan and implement targeted measures to promote biodiversity. This includes creating additional green spaces to foster species diversity and close collaboration with local authorities. We are continuously working on this with full commitment.
Biodiversity of aquatic organisms
The studies at St. Paul’s Spring and Hüschibach have shown that our water withdrawals do not negatively impact the species diversity of aquatic organisms. Compared to previous measurements, we have even observed an increase in the number of species found, indicating a stable or even improved ecological situation.
St. Peter’s Spring
68,735,000 litres of drinking water (marked green)
About a fifth of St. Peter’s Spring is used to produce VALSER water. Due to the extraordinarily high mineral content in this water, only a limited amount can be used. Otherwise the facilities would succumb to excessive calcification during production.
St. Paul’s Spring
23,863,000 litres of drinking water (marked green)
More than half the water from St. Paul’s Spring is used to extract VALSER water.
VALSER products
The natural mineral water from the springs at a glance
VALSER Still
VALSER Sparkling
VALSER Still Calcium + Magnesium
A glimpse into the future
What we’re working on...
We continue to integrate sustainability into our business model. We have set clear and ambitious goals for our sustainability journey. Coca-Cola HBC’s aim is to achieve net-zero emissions by 2040 and have a positive impact on biodiversity in critical areas of our value chain. We know there is still much to be done, but we are encouraged by the progress we have made so far and remain determined to accelerate our efforts to create a more sustainable future.
Water balance
Every year we compile a detailed water balance on the use of our source. We are working on digitalising this process to allow us to derive more detailed conclusions, forecasts and measures to reduce the impact of climate change. We also analyse water consumption in our bottling plant and optimise this on an ongoing basis. This allows us to calculate the amount of water required, so that we only use the spring according to our needs.
Water stewardship programme
Going forward, we plan to continue to expand our programme for responsible water use – to allow us to make more precise predictions, boost awareness of the importance of water as a resource and communicate this accordingly.
More about our route to sustainability
Our focus on resource efficiency
Responsible bottling
VALSER mineral water seeps through the mountain for many years before emerging from the spring, naturally filtered and enriched with minerals. At that moment, it still contains iron and is therefore filtered through the sand filter to remove the iron. This ensures that it meets the high-quality standards for VALSER mineral water before it reaches the tanks for bottling. This includes consideration for the environment. The conscious and economical use of energy, waste and water characterises our way of working.
Three facts to go
The bottling expert
“Our plant has been successfully reducing emissions in line with Coca-Cola HBC’s NetZeroBy40 goal. We will continue this journey, for example, by increasingly using rail for transportation. Packaging materials will continue to be reduced as far as technically possible. We are working on the solutions which will enable us to use only renewable energy.”
Daniel Hopp
Coca-Cola HBC Switzerland
Vals
Bottling with the environment in mind
Setting the standard for quality and sustainability
With its deep awareness of resource conservation, the plant in Vals is a pioneer in the beverage industry. Not only is this where refreshing and natural VALSER mineral water is bottled – it’s also where the highest standards are set.
Two project highlights
Sustainable bottling projects
Heating with mineral water
VALSER thermal bath waste heat project
Heating with mineral water
Is it possible to operate efficiently and act sustainably at the same time? Absolutely! We’re showing how it’s done in partnership with the 7132 Hotels resort. With the installation of a heat exchanger system and a heat pump, we extract valuable thermal energy from the spring water to heat the Vals thermal baths. This results in a saving of more than 250,000 litres of heating oil annually. In addition to this, there is no need for additional cooling for bottling – an efficient solution.
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Gifting electricity to the village
Solar energy
Gifting electricity to the village
Using the sun as a source of energy is in line with our sustainability journey and our NetZeroBy40 central goal. It’s with this in mind that we have installed a photovoltaic system on the roof of our production building. The solar power generated there covers the energy needs of about 64 households and contributes to the municipality’s power grid without affecting the protected village.
VALSER – our route to sustainability
The invisible footprint
Our greenhouse gas inventory is prepared in accordance with the ISO 14064-1 standard and follows the guidelines of the Greenhouse Gas Protocol. We are committed to continuous CO2 reduction and invest in certified climate projects to offset unavoidable CO2 emissions.
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“In collaboration with Swiss Climate, which works in the areas of CO₂ management, sustainability and energy, we have established a comprehensive CO₂ management system that sets new standards – something I’m proud of.”
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Patrick Wittweiler
Coca-Cola HBC Switzerland
GOLD for VALSER
In 2024, VALSER received the GOLD CERTIFICATE for the first time – the eighth label it has been awarded by Swiss Climate. Swiss Climate certifies companies that align their climate policy and climate targets with internationally recognised standards and implement them in effective climate protection projects. For this, our team calculated the greenhouse gas emissions, reduced them accordingly and compensated emissions with CO2 certificates of a “Gold Standard” climate project. Swiss Climate’s CO₂ management is based on a model according to ISO 14064-1 and the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, with certification verified by the independent auditing company SGS.
More about VALSER’s GOLD CERTIFICATE – go to Coca-Cola HBC Switzerland
Investment in pioneering work
We are setting ourselves ambitious goals
The Coca-Cola HBC Group is committed to achieving net-zero emissions along its entire value chain by 2040. In Vals, we are contributing to this goal through sustainable cooperation and partnerships.
For many years now, we have been working with the Swiss Energy Agency for Business (EnAW) as part of a binding target agreement aimed at increasing our energy efficiency and minimising CO₂ emissions. In close coordination with EnAW, we have implemented a number of measures, including optimising the insulation of our pipes and using waste heat to heat premises.
One such project worth mentioning was one with Zurich-based start-up Climeworks, where we used direct air capture systems for CO₂ filtration with a patented filter. This technology uses waste heat or renewable energy as an energy source. We used the recovered CO₂ as carbon dioxide for VALSER Sparkling – a project that underlines our pioneering spirit and has taken us a significant step forwards in our sustainability efforts.
Digitalisation of environmental data
Weather data
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The aim is to be able to better predict the plant’s future energy demand. By using Power BI, I can better understand the connection between the outside temperature in Vals and heating oil consumption and then plan our energy consumption more efficiently.”
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Manuel Jäckle
Coca-Cola HBC Switzerland
Vals
Discover Manuel’s project in the video
A glimpse into the future
What we’re working on...
We continue to integrate sustainability into our business model. We have set clear and ambitious goals for our sustainability journey. Coca-Cola HBC’s aim is to achieve net-zero emissions by 2040 and have a positive impact on biodiversity in critical areas of our value chain. We know there is still much to be done, but we are encouraged by the progress we have made so far and remain determined to accelerate our efforts to create a more sustainable future.
Expansion of digital measurement data
In order to further optimise our consumption control, we want to further expand the use of digital measurement data. This would facilitate more accurate forecasts and make our planning even more sustainable.
Investments in sustainability
Our search for promising projects and partners that support our philosophy and ambitious goals is constant. Our goal is to continue being a pioneer, invest in sustainability projects, and maintain and build strong partnerships.
More about our route to sustainability
From product protection to saving materials
Sustainable packaging solutions
Packaging plays a central role in delivering Coca-Cola HBC’s Mission 2025 goals. Improving the sustainability of our packaging is a critical priority for us. We believe every package has value and life beyond its initial use and that it should be collected and recycled into a new package or be reused. We have focused on making our packaging more sustainable by investing in recycled content. In cooperation with our partners and suppliers, we are continuously developing more sustainable packaging solutions. As early as 2019, we shifted our locally produced plastic bottles to 100% rPET*. The reason? Using recycled content is a key part of our approach to making our packaging circular.
For many years, we have been working to make our bottles lighter. We have now launched “VALSER Labelfree”, the first mineral water without a label – moving another step closer to the principle of a fully circular economy. By removing the label, less packaging is used, and the recycling process is simplified. For our secondary packaging, we rely on technologies for production with ever thinner films that require less material, and attach great importance to the shortest possible transport routes when procuring our packaging materials.
Three facts to go
The packaging expert
“Sustainable packaging is an essential part of our Mission 2025 and makes a significant contribution to reducing CO₂ emissions. We are continuously working to increase the recycled content of our raw materials in order to make our packaging solutions more sustainable.”
Marco Pauli
Coca-Cola HBC Switzerland
Recycling in Switzerland
The efficient use of packaging material
We firmly believe that every package has value and utility beyond its initial use. However, one thing is indisputable: a packaging material can only be considered sustainable if it is correctly recycled. Proper recycling is therefore of essential importance.
VALSER Connected Packaging – Rethinking the Bottle
Our bottle is more than just packaging – it becomes a digital experience! With cutting-edge technology, we transform it into an interactive touchpoint that engages younger generations and enables personalized experiences.
Simply scan the QR code on this page and dive into an augmented reality world directly in your browser. Experience the journey of our water from the Swiss Alps up close, discover AI-powered food pairing recommendations, and design your very own personalized VALSER bottle with a unique look.
With Connected Packaging, we bring VALSER to life – interactive, innovative, and personalized. Scan the code and discover the future of packaging!
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Lightweight
Less weight, same performance
With our newly developed lighter bottle, we are focussing on quality without wasting material. In 2021, the preforms for our 0.5 litre VALSER Sparkling bottles weighed 18 g. In a two-step reduction process, we successfully reduced the weight to 16.5 g. This weight reduction not only saves energy during production – it also lowers transportation costs. Our lightweight bottle is a testament to our commitment to sustainability and is one of the ways we are decreasing our Scope 3 emissions.
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A glimpse into the future
What we’re working on...
We continue to integrate sustainability into our business model. We have set clear and ambitious goals for our sustainability journey. Coca-Cola HBC’s aim is to achieve net-zero emissions by 2040 and have a positive impact on biodiversity in critical areas of our value chain. We know there is still much to be done, but we are encouraged by the progress we have made so far and remain determined to accelerate our efforts to create a more sustainable future.
Labelfree
With the introduction of Labelfree bottles, we are leading the way in Switzerland and setting an example for environmental protection. Our Labelfree VALSER bottles, available in multipacks, are an important step towards responsible packaging design. We strongly believe in a future without superfluous packaging materials and are working on putting innovations into practice quickly.
More about our route to sustainability
Transport and logistics
Sustainable shipping
We are constantly working to make the shipment of our products even more sustainable, shorten routes and promote the transition from road to rail. We are pursuing innovative projects and working closely with our partners to this end.
The pallets are stored in Zizers, from where they are delivered to our customers throughout Switzerland using trucks operated by our partner Camion Transport.
Three facts to go
7.45 metres per SB x an average of 500 SB per month x 12 months x 7 years gives a total length of 312,900 metres. This corresponds to 312 kilometres – almost twice the perimeter of Lake Geneva.
The shipping expert
“I’ve been at VALSER for 26 years. Over the years, we’ve been constantly on the lookout for ways to minimise our emissions in transportation. These include a close dialogue with the relevant authorities, constantly monitoring technological developments and, of course, a little courage and the right amount of grit.”
Roger Jörger
Coca-Cola HBC Switzerland
Vals
CO₂ emissions reduction
From road to rail
For decades, we have been working to make the transport of our products more environmentally friendly and reduce our CO₂ emissions —a success story from then until now.
1983
1983
Switch to more environmentally friendly rail transport
2006
Introduction of swap bodies
2015
Direct transport with Railcare
2020
VALSER in green containers
2023
Twelve additional swap bodies deployed
2024
Let us deliver to you
Straight from the source to your home
All good things come in threes – and it is precisely these three things that are at the heart of our VALSER service. We deliver at the click of a button, free of charge and with no minimum order value. One key element of our commitment to the environment is integrated recycling: empties are taken away while delivering and not only disposed of properly, but also prepared for the recycling process, conserving valuable resources in the process. Our 120 VALSER service suppliers supply the whole of Switzerland. It’s a successful model that we established back in 1961 in Vals and the surrounding villages, and one which is now based on the principle of the circular economy.
Gartmann, RHB and Camion
Joint dedication
Working hand in hand for decades
Working hand in hand for decades
VALSER Wasser and Gartmann have being working together as an unbeatable team since the early 1970s. Local Vals-based freight forwarding company Gartmann has always been entrusted with the transportation of VALSER water. Once responsible for the whole of Switzerland, today it covers Schnaus and Zizers. This decades-long cooperation has been very lucrative for both sides. Without VALSER water, Gartmann would not exist in this form – and vice versa. Gartmann has always proven to be innovative and up to date with the latest technology.
Between source and rail
Between source and rail
VALSER has maintained an exceptional and fruitful partnership with the Rhaetian Railway (RHB) since 1983. VALSER is RHB’s most important customer in freight transport. This cooperation is valued equally on both sides. The bond between VALSER and RHB symbolises harmony and a common desire to preserve Switzerland’s natural resources.
Sunny side up
Sunny side up
Camion Transport is responsible for distribution from Zizers across Switzerland. The company attaches great importance to environmental friendliness and uses modern vehicle fleets (Euro6). The first two electric trucks, which feature VALSER Wasser branding, have a capacity of 14 tonnes and are equipped with batteries. A photovoltaic system on the roof of Camion Transport AG supplies the electricity the trucks need.
A variety of logistics solutions
A variety of logistics solutions
Käppeli Logistik supports VALSER with tailored logistics solutions to ensure the efficient and sustainable delivery of VALSER water. Using a modern fleet and innovative technologies, Käppeli Logistik helps maintain the high quality of VALSER products throughout the delivery chain and supports the company’s sustainability efforts.
YES WE CAN
YES WE CAN
Schöni Transport works closely with VALSER to ensure the timely and environmentally friendly delivery of VALSER water. With a strong focus on efficiency and sustainability, Schöni Transport helps optimise VALSER’s logistics processes and minimise environmental impact.
A glimpse into the future
What we’re working on...
We continue to integrate sustainability into our business model. We have set clear and ambitious goals for our sustainability journey. Coca-Cola HBC’s aim is to achieve net-zero emissions by 2040 and have a positive impact on biodiversity in critical areas of our value chain. We know there is still much to be done, but we are encouraged by the progress we have made so far and remain determined to accelerate our efforts to create a more sustainable future.
E-trucks
A new chapter in VALSER’s logistics could soon begin with the introduction of electrically powered lorries for transport between Vals and Ilanz. We are pursuing the vision of making our transport even more sustainable with the help of recuperation – a long and complex process that is technically, legally and logistically exciting and challenging all at once. We have already received approval for the e-trucks with trailer. The benefits of the switch are twofold, because in addition to the CO₂ emissions reduction, we can also save on driving in the future, thanks to this trailer.
More about our route to sustainability
Recycling
The constant cycle
Our bottles are made from 100% recycled PET*,which is an important component of the packaging circular economy. Through close cooperation with PET Recycling Switzerland, we play a leading role in the field of sustainable waste management.
Three facts to go
The recycling expert
“Our collaboration with PET Recycling Switzerland shows how partnerships between companies and sustainability organisations can help promote responsible production and consumption practices. PET Recycling Switzerland’s innovative solutions allow us to use green rPET, demonstrating our shared commitment to sustainability. It’s a pleasure for us to be part of this success story and to work with PET Recycling Switzerland on further advancing PET recycling in Switzerland.”
Patrick Wittweiler
And back again
Beverage bottles made from 100% recycled PET*
VALSER uses rPET bottles, produced solely using recycled material. A resource-efficient process makes it possible to continuously recycle this material into new bottles.
Clean Up Day in Vals
Approximately 20 Coca-Cola employees, including the team from Vals, took part in National Clean Up Day 2024 to do help reduce pollution.
Another step forward
Major innovation with green rPET
Did you know that recycled PET bottles are initially made of clear, colourless PET material, regardless of their final colour? A logical step towards achieving a fully circular economy with 100% rPET* would be to use green rPET bottles to produce new green rPET bottles again. That’s why we introduced green rPET for our VALSER Sparkling bottles in 2022. This breakthrough earned us the Swiss Packaging Award from the Swiss Packaging Institute (SVI).
“Recycling PET is processed several times: it is sorted and recycled. This process can result in it looking a little darker and not exactly the same as clear PET, but that has no impact on the material. It is equivalent, hygienically absolutely flawless and exactly the same as new PET as far as all other properties are concerned.”
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Stefanie Brauchli
PET Recycling Switzerland
After three years of intensive preparation and numerous material and colour tests, we now save 1,200 tonnes of clear PET a year through our green rPET closed recycling loop, which corresponds to about one eighth of our annual PET consumption. We are proud of this latest innovative solution that is helping us achieve our sustainability goals, and we thank our partner PET Recycling Switzerland for their effective collaboration on this project.
Discover green rPET in our video
PET Recycling Switzerland
Joint dedication
The path to the circular economy: our partnership with PET Recycling Switzerland for sustainable PET recycling in Switzerland
The path to the circular economy: our partnership with PET Recycling Switzerland for sustainable PET recycling in Switzerland
The PET Recycling Switzerland association is a leading organisation in Switzerland when it comes to the nationwide recycling of non-returnable PET beverage bottles. With a comprehensive and efficient collection system, PET Recycling Switzerland actively contributes to the promotion of the circular economy. We are a proud founding and board member of PET Recycling Switzerland and would like to continue our work with the organisation to build on the success story of PET recycling in Switzerland.
A glimpse into the future
What we’re working on...
We continue to integrate sustainability into our business model. We have set clear and ambitious goals for our sustainability journey. Coca-Cola HBC’s aim is to achieve net-zero emissions by 2040 and have a positive impact on biodiversity in critical areas of our value chain. We know there is still much to be done, but we are encouraged by the progress we have made so far and remain determined to accelerate our efforts to create a more sustainable future.
Raising awareness of the issue
VALSER actively engages in the promotion of recycling and sustainability by leveraging partnerships and carrying out awareness-raising activities. With initiatives like the collection of empties at VALSER Service and participation in the National Clean Up Day, we promote consumer awareness and commitment to sustainable waste management.
