Primo Brands Launches Environmental Stewardship Funds to Support Local Communities and Ecosystems

Primo Brands Launches Environmental Stewardship Funds

Primo Brands Corporation, a prominent player in the North American beverage industry, is taking a significant step in environmental conservation by launching two new Environmental Stewardship Funds. These funds will support the communities surrounding its popular brands, Arrowhead® Mountain Spring Water and Ozarka® Texas Spring Water. The initiative aims to empower local communities to safeguard and enhance their natural resources, benefiting millions of residents and ecosystems in California and Texas.

The funds, known as the Arrowhead® Environmental Stewardship Fund and the Ozarka® Environmental Stewardship Fund, will provide grants to local non-profit organizations dedicated to conserving, enhancing, and restoring watersheds in their respective areas. Managed by the Inland Empire Community Foundation (IECF) and Greater Houston Community Foundation (GHCF), these funds will ensure that local priorities are reflected in investment decisions and conservation efforts.

Both funds have been established with an initial funding of $250,000 each, with plans to invest a total of $1 million over the next four years. The advisory committee responsible for grant selection will consist of community foundation representatives, scientific experts, local stakeholders, and Primo Brands, ensuring that grant awards are well-informed and beneficial to the communities they serve.

Addressing Challenges in Southern California

The Arrowhead® Environmental Stewardship Fund will particularly focus on projects within Southern California's Santa Ana River watershed. This area spans over 2,800 square miles across San Bernardino, Riverside, and Orange counties and faces significant challenges such as water scarcity, habitat restoration, and wildfire risks. David Hernandez, a key representative from the Inland Empire Community Foundation, highlighted the importance of local stewardship for maintaining healthy ecosystems and communities. He stated, “From wildfire recovery to water quality, this fund will support the local work that makes our region stronger.”

Supporting Houston's Water Resilience

Meanwhile, the Ozarka® Environmental Stewardship Fund will target the San Jacinto Watershed in the Houston area. This fund aims to improve stormwater management and reduce flood risks while restoring habitats and bolstering water resilience in the region. Steve Maislin, President and CEO of GHCF, expressed pride in the partnership with Ozarka® for environmental stewardship in Houston, stating, “The support from Ozarka® helps strengthen Houston’s watersheds, protect communities facing flood risk, and advance long-term resilience across the region.”

These two watersheds collectively encompass over 8,000 square miles and serve more than 12 million residents, making the need for effective environmental stewardship critical to the well-being of both the communities and the natural resources they depend on.

A Commitment to Sustainable Practices

Primo Brands emphasizes that stewardship of natural resources stands at the core of its mission. Charles Fogg, the Chief Sustainability Officer at Primo Brands, noted, “Our regionally sourced water is the proud origin of our brands and the lifeblood of the communities we serve.” The company aims to provide financial support to empower local non-profits that are actively engaged in conservation efforts within their communities.

This initiative builds upon the successful Ice Mountain® Environmental Stewardship Fund, which has been operational for 23 years, supporting various watershed conservation activities in Michigan. The Ice Mountain fund has partnered with local organizations to promote meaningful environmental improvements for residents in the Muskegon River Watershed area.

As part of its ongoing commitment to sustainability, applications for grants from the Arrowhead® and Ozarka® Environmental Stewardship Funds will be announced later this year. Organizations interested in applying for funding can find more information through the respective community foundations, with links provided for further inquiries.

In conclusion, with the launch of these Environmental Stewardship Funds, Primo Brands is demonstrating its dedication to not only providing quality beverages but also ensuring a sustainable future for the environments and communities it serves. This forward-thinking strategy aims to establish a model for corporate responsibility that other companies can follow in the quest for ecological balance and community health.