SodaStream

SodaStream is a manufacturing company best known for its production of home carbonation product. The company's main product, also named SodaStream, allows consumers to carbonate water at home in a reusable bottle, thus reducing the need for single-use plastic bottles.

History

SodaStream was originally founded in 1903 in the United Kingdom by Guy Hugh Gilbey. The company initially targeted the upper class, with its products being sold in high-end department stores such as Harrods and Selfridges. In the 1970s and 1980s, SodaStream expanded its market to include the middle class, and its products became a common household item in the UK.

In 1998, SodaStream was acquired by the Fortune Brands company. Under new ownership, the company underwent a rebranding process and began to focus on the environmental benefits of its products. In 2010, SodaStream was sold to the Israel-based company Soda-Club.

Products

The main product of SodaStream is a home carbonation device. This device uses a gas cylinder to inject carbon dioxide into water, creating carbonated water. Users can then add various flavored syrups to create their own soft drinks. The company offers a wide range of flavors, including cola, lemon-lime, and fruit punch.

SodaStream also sells reusable bottles and replacement gas cylinders. The company has a cylinder exchange program, where customers can return their empty cylinders to be refilled and reused.

Environmental Impact

One of the main selling points of SodaStream is its environmental impact. By using reusable bottles and gas cylinders, the company claims to significantly reduce the amount of single-use plastic and cans that end up in landfills. The company also argues that home carbonation reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting bottled beverages.

Controversies

SodaStream has faced several controversies over the years. The company has been criticized for its manufacturing plant in the West Bank, a territory disputed by Israel and Palestine. In 2014, the company announced it would be moving its factory to southern Israel in response to international pressure.

See Also

• Home carbonation
• Soft drink
• Environmental impact of plastic