The sparkling water category is bubbling with opportunity. With consumers increasingly seeking healthier, more sustainable, and more premium beverage options, the market is evolving fast, and packaging is playing a bigger role than ever in shaping brand perception.
At O-I, we’ve been closely tracking this evolution.
Our latest work in the category has uncovered some surprising insights about what today’s US consumers really want and how glass can help brands meet those expectations in ways other materials simply can’t.
Glass: More Than a Package
Glass has always been associated with quality. But in today’s sparkling water landscape, it’s becoming a strategic asset.
Consumers don’t just see glass as a container. Glass is a part of the product and the entire drinking experience. It enhances taste, elevates the moment, and signals care, purity, and intention.
For sparkling water brands looking to stand out in a sea of sameness, the power of glass packaging design can offer a way to create an emotional connection and premium shelf presence.
And it’s not just about aesthetics. Glass is endlessly recyclable, free from additives, and aligned with the values of health-conscious, sustainability-minded shoppers.
What We’re Seeing in Sparkling Water Data (That We Can’t Share… Yet)
We recently conducted a deep dive into the sparkling water category in the US, from consumer behavior and usage occasions to packaging perceptions and purchase drivers.
While we can’t share the full findings publicly, here’s what we can say…
The opportunity for glass is bigger than most brands realize.
There are moments when glass clearly wins. Some consumers are actively looking for it and not finding it. And there are brand-building advantages that go far beyond sustainability.
If your brand is only in cans or PET, you might be missing out on your most valuable consumers. And that’s a gap worth exploring!
We’d love to share what we’ve learned and explore how glass could unlock new value for your brand.
Whether you’re looking to premiumize similar to bottled water brand Beika, expand into new occasions, or simply connect more deeply with your consumers with your brand story, glass could be the differentiator you’ve been looking for.
Let’s start the conversation. Contact us today.
