Waiākea Hawaiian Volcanic Beverages is not just a bottled water and small batch coffee company; it aims to revolutionize sustainability in the beverage industry.
In 2012, Waiākea became the first beverage company to use 100% post-consumer recycled plastic. Now, more than a decade later, it is pioneering another first: labels printed with algae-based ink. Waiākea is the first company in the world to implement and commercialize labels with this sustainable pigment, developed in partnership with Living Ink Technologies, Actega, and NextGen Label Group.
CEO Ryan Emmons stated, “Our goal is to use Waiākea as a catalyst for change and set better standards for the beverage industry overall.”
Waiākea’s ACTExact UV Black Algae Ink replaces traditional carbon black ink derived from petroleum. The global use of this sustainable ink could have a significant positive impact on the environment.
Waiākea is sharing its algae-based ink technology with other brands, aiming to scale additional pigments in the future. The company has a history of sustainability initiatives, including creating the first commercialized recycled PET bottle and developing tracking software to reduce transportation emissions.
Waiākea’s Oceanplast bottles are made from plastic collected from coastal communities, helping to prevent ocean pollution. The company’s commitment to sustainability sets it apart in the beverage industry, which is dominated by brands like Perrier, Aquafina, and Dasani.
Emmons revealed plans to launch a limited glass line with recycled content for reuse, further solidifying Waiākea as an environmental leader in its category.
While sustainability is a core focus, Waiākea also offers health benefits such as electrolytes in its naturally filtered water. The company sells regular and sparkling water, as well as small batch coffee, in various retail locations across the U.S. and Hawaiʻi.
Waiākea recently closed an $11 million funding round with investments from professional athletes like Tetairoa McMillan, Devin Williams, and Jerami Grant. The company’s athlete investors share its sustainability mission and help expand its customer base.
Despite the current political climate, Waiākea remains committed to sustainability, as it aligns with consumer values. Emmons emphasized that staying true to sustainability is easier when it’s ingrained in the company’s ethos.