Is installing own Bottling Plant a viable option ?

Recently I read a news that Cybage, an IT company installed its own Bottling plant at its Pune Unit. I was first curious, and then quite surprised to see the same. It wasn't clearly mentioned in the news ( for which it was meant 😀). I could find out from some pics :-

Instagram Story 👇

Looks like a Glass Bottle 👇

Yes, it must be a glass bottle 👇

The Capping Method is ROPP Capping, used for glass bottles with Aluminium Caps like those medicinal bottles, mostly. Had it been Plastic, the mechanism is different.

Why is the company doing it ?

They say : 

Also :- 

It's done as a step towards the ESG initiatives. Well, what is this ? 👇

My opinion about having own bottling plant :-

1. Technically, it's like installing a swimming pool for own family. You will do that if you truly afford that, OR if you are getting certain advantage, like cybage is doing for. They are doing it towards the ESG , indirectly contributing to the 17 SDGs. Intention : Investors & Tax.
2. 80,000 Bottles a year ( looks like a 500ml Bottle ) is not a huge consumption for which it stands a wise decision, in any sense, besides the ESG thing. It becomes 7000 bottles a month, 250 bottles a day of 500 ml. Nothing. They could have easily outsourced that.
3. To maintain a full-scale bottling plant for such a small consumption looks not correct. They haven't specified the water source. If it's RO Plant + The filling Machine.... It needs technicians too.
4. However, It is also possible that they have outsourced the full operations without buying anything. It might make some sense in this decision. Caring the plastic waste is truly a good intention.
5. There was a still better option, if they could implement Water ATMs. Water ATMs not just cut Plastic, but also omits the usage of Bottles. The Glass Bottle Manufacturing also carries a huge Carbon Footprint. Buying Glass Bottles, consuming them is also indirectly contributing to disrupting the environment.

For Machinery Suppliers 

• This can be another business model. Approach High-Profit companies, suggest them this idea, talk more on ESG : They will understand immediately, it's a buzz-word.
• You can also take contract for running a plant at a cost per bottle model in addition
• Can install a number of Water ATMs in premises of big companies & maintain them at cost. This can also attract good CSR business.

Glass Bottles for Bottling : Is that a viable Idea ?

Existing Method of Bottling

At present, PET Bottles are used for bottling water & other beverages. However, after observing the serious impacts of Plastic, the PET bottle industry & the overall water industry which grew out of the convenience of using plastic has come under threat of existence. Particularly due to P.M.'s declaration of "Phasing the single use plastics upto 2022".

Is glass the option ?

Glass looks like the option. However, it poses many challenges. Mainly the production (Quantities), the tremendous amount of energy needed to produce glass, the transportation, the breakage, handling, crushing, and finally... the cost.

The habits are difficult to be reversed

It is easy to say "Recirculate the old used bottles", however, we are so much used to the "throw" life-style (thanks to the westerners) that using something which is already used, is considered unhygienic for no reason. At one point we say-"Re-cycle" and refuse to rinse & use the already used thing. The glass industry is also (for what) against using seconds bottles. 

Is the Water in the Used Bottles good ?

If the bottles are washed, rinsed properly, then why not ? (counter-question). At homes, we do use these bottles, in the medicine & beverage industry it was a regular method, even the cold-drink bottles are still following the same route, then why not ? It is perfectly safe, hence perfectly good.

In time to come, don't get shocked to see Water Shoppees with a Water Vending Machine (ATM) & branded bottles (Glass) with used ones too !

Other opinions :- Read Quora Q & A for this subject 

In House Glass Bottling Plant for Own Consumption

Water Bottling Plant for own consumption 

Many Hotels have their own consumption for their guests at their hotel. Currently, they do have arrangements with brands like Bisleri, Qua, Veen, Himalaya, Aquafina etc. This depends upon which type of the hotel is. If your hotel belongs to the Star Category business hotel; then it serves as an excellent branding opportunity + saving earning a good amount of money. 

Is it really worth it ?

If you have a good amount of place + consumption (more than 5000 LPD) , then can be a sensible decision. However, it's still better to find out an existing plant who will do it for you on your name. This way, he takes all the production troubles, while you focus on en cashing your brand name.

Even if you don't have place, but just good consumption, the exercise is really worthwhile.

Is it allowed ?

100% allowed. That's what even the biggies are doing. It's called as 3rd party Production method. You just need to create certain legal structure for that & done.

Glass Bottled Water elevates your image !

Water bottled in Glass has a different brand value to score over those bottled in PET. You can listen to some of my Podcasts where I have shared some of my thoughts about Glass Bottling.