The Co-op UK already donates money from the sales of its own-label bottled water, but will extend its commitment to donate a penny per litre from all branded water it sells across its 2,600 stores in the UK to contribute to the initiative.

Steve Murrells, Group Chief Executive, Co-op, said: “For over ten years, the Co-op has championed the need to invest in water sanitation and hygiene projects in countries such as Kenya and Malawi.

“Water Unite is an exciting new initiative which has the potential to transform communities on a much larger scale than we have been able to achieve before, enabling millions of people to live much healthier lives.” 

Water Unite aims to accelerate investments to help achieve the UN’s Global Goals, focusing on:

Goal 6:  clean water and sanitation for all. By 2030, Achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable clean water and sanitation for all.

In addition, by aligning with existing recycling programmes, the initiative also encourages responsible consumption and production of bottled water worldwide.

Goal 12: Responsible consumption and production. By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse.

Goal 14: Life below water. By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris.