Although Earth is largely covered by water, the reality is that the amount of freshwater accessible for human use is surprisingly limited. As the world faces increasing challenges from climate change alongside rising water demand, effective water resource management has become a critical priority that requires collaboration across all sectors. On the occasion of World Water Day, Suntory PepsiCo Beverage (Thailand) Co., Ltd., aims to raise greater public awareness of the value and importance of water through 5 compelling facts.

 1.Accessible freshwater accounts for only 1% of the world's total water

Although our planet is surrounded by water, more than 97% of the Earth’s water is saltwater in oceans, which cannot be directly consumed. Another approximately 2% is locked in polar ice caps, leaving only around 1% as accessible freshwater available for human use[1]. To put this into perspective, if there were 100 glasses of water, only one would be drinkable. This highlights the importance of conserving and using this limited freshwater resource wisely to ensure long-term sustainability.

 2.Agriculture and industry account for over 90% of global water use

Today, agriculture is the largest consumer of water worldwide, accounting for around 70% of total usage, primarily for cultivation. This is followed by industry at approximately 19%, where water is used in manufacturing processes, and households at 11% for daily consumption[2]. While industry is the second-largest water user, it is also a sector with strong potential and established standards in water resource management. Through the adoption of advanced innovation and technology, companies can systematically design and enhance operational processes from upstream to downstream, including improving water efficiency, developing water treatment and reuse systems, and safely returning treated water to natural sources. These efforts help maximize efficiency while ensuring sustainable water use.

3.Over 70% of global wastewater is not properly treated

Water challenges extend beyond efficient usage, as wastewater management is equally critical. According to UN-Water, only 27% of global industrial wastewater is safely treated[3], while a significant portion remains contaminated and may be discharged back into natural sources without proper management, causing widespread impacts on ecosystems and the environment. To help address this issue, Suntory PepsiCo Thailand has invested in a high-efficiency wastewater treatment system that enables more than 80% of water to be reused for non-food-contact processes. The remaining approximately 20% is treated to meet regulatory standards before being discharged into the industrial estate’s central system, helping to minimize environmental impact.

 4.More water is used behind the scenes of a single beverage bottle than it appears

Many people may assume that the water used in beverage production equals to the amount contained in the bottle. Water is not only used as an ingredient in products, but also throughout every stage of the production process, from cleaning, mixing, to bottling and cooling/warming process before products are delivered to consumers. As a result, the global beverage industry has an average Water Use Ratio of 2.38 liters of water per 1 liter of beverage produced[4]. Meanwhile, Suntory PepsiCo Thailand’s Rayong and Saraburi plants have implemented highly efficient water management systems, reducing water usage to less than 1.4 liters per 1 liter of beverage, nearly half the global average. This positions both facilities as leading benchmarks in water management within the beverage industry.

5.Water is a foundation of life and economic security that must be managed sustainably

Water is not merely a natural resource; it is the foundation of the nation’s life, economic, and environmental security. According to the Department of Water Resources, sustainable water management requires an integrated basin-level approach, with active participation from all sectors including government, private sector, communities, and the public. This includes responsible water use, conservation, restoration of water sources, as well as prevention and preparedness for droughts and floods, to ensure long-term resilience and sustainability for Thai society[5].

Suntory PepsiCo Thailand is committed to sustainable water stewardship

As water resources face increasing challenges, responsible and efficient water management has become a shared responsibility across all sectors. Suntory PepsiCo Thailand is committed to managing water resources systematically from upstream to downstream, while fostering social engagement through concrete actions across various water conservation initiatives. These include the “Mizuiku Program”, which has been continuously implemented for over seven years since 2019 and further developed under the name “One Suntory Mizuiku Program.” The program aims to provide Thai youth with knowledge, encouraging them to recognize the value of water and begin conserving it in their daily lives. To date, it has reached more than 41,860 students and teachers across 550 schools.

In addition, the company continues to drive positive impact on water resources and environment through watershed conservation and restoration activities under the “Good People & Water” initiatives, including check dam building, vetiver grass planting, and forest ecosystem restoration, as well as the “Rayong Love Water project. These programs provide employees with ongoing opportunities to actively participate each year, reinforcing the company’s commitment to driving sustainable positive change for society and the environment alongside business growth under its core value of “Growing for Good.”

[1] https://www.usgs.gov/water-science-school/science/where-earths-water

[2] https://www.fao.org/4/y4525e/y4525e05.htm?utm

[3] https://www.unwater.org/publications/progress-wastewater-treatment-2024-update

[4] https://www.bieroundtable.com/work/benchmarking/

[5] https://dwr.go.th/about_us.php?about_us_id=3