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ZenWTR produces premium bottled alkaline water, distinguishing itself through an innovative approach to packaging. The company’s core product is vapor-distilled, ultra-pure water with a 9.5 pH, contained in bottles crafted entirely from 100% recycled ocean-bound plastic. This technical capability directly addresses environmental concerns, offering a product that combines advanced hydration with a commitment to sustainability.
The company was founded by beverage entrepreneur Lance Collins, who launched the brand in 2020. Collins, a serial innovator in the beverage industry, identified a growing consumer demand for high-quality bottled water while also recognizing the critical issue of plastic pollution in coastal environments. His insight led to the creation of a product that directly integrates environmental impact reduction into its core value proposition.
ZenWTR caters to consumers who prioritize both advanced hydration and ecological responsibility. The company’s long-term vision is centered on significantly reducing the amount of plastic waste that enters the world’s oceans, transforming discarded materials into valuable product packaging. It aims to lead the market by providing a superior product with a demonstrable positive environmental footprint.
ZenWTR has raised $23.0M across 1 funding round.
ZenWTR has raised $23.0M in total across 1 funding round.
ZenWTR has raised $23.0M across 1 funding round. Most recently, it raised $23.0M Seed in March 2020.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 1, 2020 | $23M Seed | — | 8090 Industries, Neotribe Ventures, Prime Movers LAB, Revolution, SeedInvest, Bill Gates | Announced |
ZenWTR is a beverage company, not a technology company, specializing in premium alkaline water packaged in sustainable bottles made from 100% recycled ocean-bound plastic. It produces ultra-pure, vapor-distilled water with a pH of 9.5 or higher, enhanced with electrolytes for taste, solving the dual problems of consumer demand for healthy hydration and environmental concerns over plastic pollution by diverting ocean-bound waste.[1][2][5][6] The brand serves health-conscious consumers, retailers like Whole Foods, Target, and Safeway, and online platforms, with growth including nationwide distribution since its 2020 launch, expansion to aluminum and glass bottles, and a direct-to-consumer subscription model driving expansion toward 50,000 store locations by late 2021.[1][2][4]
ZenWTR was founded by serial beverage entrepreneur Lance Collins, whose prior successes include brands like CORE, NOS, FUZE, and BodyArmor, bringing deep CPG expertise to the venture.[2][4] The idea emerged from Collins' passion for sustainability, inspired by surfing and ocean conservation—investor Kelly Slater, an 11-time world surfing champion, echoed this ethos, noting surfers' obligation to protect the environment.[3] Launched in 2020 (with some sources citing 2021 availability) at Whole Foods with three sizes of rPET bottles, ZenWTR quickly gained traction through its novel ocean-bound plastic supply chain, attracting celebrity investors and reaching thousands of stores amid pandemic-driven plastic waste concerns.[1][2][3][4]
ZenWTR rides the wave of sustainability trends in consumer packaged goods (CPG), particularly circular economy innovations in plastics recycling, accelerated by pandemic-related waste surges and consumer demand for eco-friendly premium beverages.[3][4] Its timing aligns with rising awareness of ocean plastic pollution—sourcing from high-risk areas like Indonesia, Thailand, Ecuador, and the Philippines—positioning it amid market forces favoring "plastic negative" brands and regulations pushing recyclability.[1][3] By disrupting bottled water norms (typically virgin plastic), ZenWTR influences the ecosystem, inspiring CPG peers to rethink supply chains and proving sustainability can drive premium pricing and distribution growth in a crowded $300B+ global water market.[2][4]
ZenWTR's momentum—fueled by packaging diversification, certifications, and a $25M funding war chest—positions it to capture more shelf space and DTC share as alkaline/sustainable hydration surges. Next steps likely include full rollout of aluminum/glass lines, hitting the 50M-pound diversion goal (potentially surpassed by now), and deeper global recycling investments amid evolving ESG mandates.[1][2][4] Trends like infinite recyclability demands and wellness-focused CPG will shape its path, evolving its influence from niche innovator to category leader in "purpose-driven" beverages—proving sustainability isn't just packaging, but the core product promise that launched it.[3][5]
ZenWTR has raised $23.0M in total across 1 funding round.
ZenWTR's investors include 8090 Industries, Neotribe Ventures, Prime Movers Lab, Revolution, SeedInvest, Bill Gates.
