The UK's first compostable bottle, made from corn!

The revolutionary bottle is made from a 100% renewable resource – corn - and can be commercially composted back to soil in 12 weeks, roughly a million years faster than traditional plastics.

02/06/06 “Think about it - plastic made from corn. The potential for helping the planet is enormous,” said Mai Simonsen, one of the founding members of Belu. “This can dramatically reduce the amount of rubbish going into landfills and gives everyone an easy way to help protect the environment.”

The “Bio-bottle” is the latest initiative from London-based Belu, an environmental initiative which contributes 100% of its net profits to clean water projects. Working with WaterAid, every bottle of water purchased in the UK provides someone in India or Africa with clean water for one month. KPMG has been authorized to verify Belu’s charitable donations.

Belu was formed in response to a challenge set out by the UN’s Global Compact, a movement to engage the business community in solving global problems. Belu visited every natural mineral source in the UK to find the cleanest, freshest water. By sourcing its water in the UK, Belu minimises long-distance transportation and the related environmental impact.

Belu was served for artists performing at last year’s Live 8 concert in London’s Hyde Park. Its award-winning glass bottle is currently available in more than 150 locations, including trend-setting London establishments such as Nobu, Sketch, and the Groucho Club.
The Bio bottles will be available from today in selected Waitrose stores and in most of the major UK supermarkets in the coming months.

Belu was set up by a group of friends, environmentalists and companies interested in using business to make a positive difference. This group includes Gordon Roddick, John Bird, Ben Goldsmith, ?What If! Innovations, Clifford Chance and Lewis Moberly Design.  NatureWorks® PLA and Planet Friendly Products helped make their bio-bottle along with BIOTA Spring water of Colorado, the first beverage company in the world to use corn-based bottles.