The Premiership Rugby unit, Northampton Saints have announced a new partnership with NEO WTR, Europe’s first ethical spring water brand to use a 100% prevented ocean plastic bottle.
The United Kingdom-based firm has become the Saints’ official water hydration supplier, ensuring that players and staff stay hydrated on and off the pitch.
NEO WTR, which debuted in June 2024, is Europe’s first drinks brand to employ a recycled container produced from ocean-bound plastic, with product listings at Tesco and Sainsbury’s countrywide.
Ulundi Makhanya, Director of Commercial Partnerships at Northampton Saints, said, “Hydration is obviously key for our squad, and we’re excited to agree this new partnership with NEO WTR, who will play an important role in supporting our players with their training and matchday preparations. Superior hydration products help the team to perform at their very best, and aid recovery as well, so we are looking forward to working alongside NEO WTR to gain any edge we can on the pitch.
“We have already made great progress in this space, signing up to the UN’s Sports for Climate Action Framework in 2022 and hosting our first ever ‘Green Game’ last season. We continue to investigate new opportunities and technologies to help us achieve our sustainability goals, and given NEO WTR’s efforts to help the environment and reduce plastic pollution, they are a perfect partner for us moving forwards.”
NEO WTR bottles are created using recycled plastic derived from discarded bottles collected along at-risk coastlines, in a true bottle-to-bottle circular solution that also supports ocean protection.
NEO WTR supports worldwide social activities by sourcing materials from the POP program, which provides fair compensation and improved standards to local collectors, in addition to environmental advantages. The program’s funds are used to develop recycling facilities in nations in greatest need.
Raffi Schieir, Director of Bantam Materials UK Ltd. and Founder of the Prevented Ocean Plastic programme, said, “Prevented Ocean Plastic is thrilled to be working with NEO WTR and welcome their new partnership with Northampton Saints. We collect plastic from where it doesn’t belong and give it a new life, like in NEO’s bottles. We congratulate both organisations for making their better plastic choice. Together we can tackle ocean plastic pollution. Which might just be easier than tackling Prevented Ocean Plastic ambassador, England Rugby Captain Marlie Packer.”
Araminta Karol, Marketing Manager at NEO WTR, said, “We are delighted to become the official water hydration supplier of Northampton Saints. Working with such a high profile club will allow us to amplify our sustainability mission, working with the team to demonstrate healthy, ethical hydration. Fueling our body correctly is essential, especially when playing sport at a professional level; hydration is a key part of that.”
