Nestlé Waters & Premium Beverages colleagues are celebrating after the bottling site in Narberth, achieved Core status under the international Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) Standard.

The site, which bottles Princes Gate and Nestlé Pure Life waters, has been recognised for its dedication to responsible water management and collaboration, as well as strong engagement with the local community.

The AWS Standard certification assesses responsible water stewardship across various criteria, including social, cultural, environmental, and economic aspects.

Matthew Faulkner, Factory Manager of the Nestlé Waters & Premium Beverages site in Narberth, said: “I’m exceptionally proud of the team here at Princes Gate and the ongoing work and dedication that goes on behind the scenes to achieve this kind of recognition. The certification demonstrates how seriously we take our responsibility of caring for local water.

“The auditors recognised how we collaborate with stakeholders within the catchment, identify different opportunities related to water, and support projects like the Wallis Pond restoration.”

The restoration of the Wallis Pond in South Wales saw Pembrokeshire County Council, Heavyside Landscapes and Nestlé Waters & Premium Beverages UK come together to restore the millpond with regulatory guidance from Natural Resources Wales and support from the Ambleston Community Council.

The pond can now hold more water after being re-dug and de-silted, helping to build flood resilience, protect water quality and improve aquatic habitats.

Earlier this year, Nestlé Waters & Premium Beverages UK also announced a four-year project in Pembrokeshire with dairy cooperative, First Milk, that will work with up to 30 local dairy farmers to help reduce soil compaction and improve water filtration on their land, with the aim of capturing up to an additional 250 million litres of groundwater per year.

Adrian Sym, CEO for Alliance for Water Stewardship, said: “This milestone reflects a strong commitment to continuous improvement in water stewardship and collaboration with local stakeholders.”