Danone is investing over €50m ($56.8m) in its Volvic bottling facility in France between now and 2030, principally to improve the environmental credentials of the site.
The programme focuses on ecological preservation, operational modernisation, and regional engagement.
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A primary upgrade includes deploying Reuse technology at the Chancet facility.
The installation will make it the first French natural mineral water plant to repurpose treated wastewater for industrial operations, conserving 220 million litres of water annually, said Danone.
The capital programme also funds a “more efficient” bottling line, decarbonisation measures, and workforce upskilling, added the company.
“By continuing to invest in innovation, in our teams, and in the protection of the resource, we aim to strengthen Volvic’s role as a benchmark for hydration and as a driver of development for the Auvergne region,” said Antoine de Saint-Affrique, the CEO of Danone.
Beginning in 2027, the group will host a water conference at the site alongside academic, institutional, and industrial partners to “accelerate” collective scientific research.
Just Drinks has asked Danone a range of questions on the plans.
Notably, Volvic was called out for greenwashing claims, with the Paris Judicial Court ruling in favour of a complaint filed by consumer group Consommation, Logement, Cadre de Vie (CLCV).
In June, Danone said it will appeal the ruling that found Volvic’s environmental claims on the brand’s bottles and packaging “deceptive”.
The company disputed the reasoning, noting the case centred on “certain practices” its Volvic business had “implemented in the past, which complied with both the applicable regulations and practices at the time”.
In 2025, Danone’s Waters division posted revenue of €4.85bn, down 2.6% on a reported basis but up 1.9% like-for-like (LFL).
European sales reached €2.17bn, rising 3.3%. AMEA & Latin America generated €1.60bn, dropping 1.9%, while China, North Asia & Oceania fell 6.1% to €777m.
During the first half, Danone’s waters division generated €2.52bn in total sales, up 3.6% on an LFL basis.
