Molson Coors reported it will double its annual production of canned water for disaster relief efforts, raising output to 830,000 cans. The company has been producing bottled water since 2017, supplying more than 3 million cans to communities affected by natural disasters such as hurricanes, wildfires and floods.
According to Senior Manager of Community Affairs Michael Nordman, the increased production capacity will enhance the company’s ability to assist those in need. “When a natural disaster strikes, one of the first needs is access to safe, clean drinking water. That’s why we’re growing our capacity to help this year,” said Nordman. “By doubling our canned water production, we will be able to respond to the increasing number of disasters to ensure that more communities have the resources they need to recover.”
To produce the water, Molson Coors utilizes its Trenton, Ohio brewery, which is situated over a natural aquifer. The company paused beer production on one of its main lines, thoroughly cleaning it to ensure the quality of the canned drinking water. Trenton Brewery Vice President Gabi Bozdog noted that the brewery raises about $150,000 for the community each year and volunteers around 2,000 hours.
Additionally, Bozdog acknowledged the contributions of two other companies in facilitating the donation. Ball Corp. supplied the 12-ounce cans, while Graphic Packaging International donated the 12-pack cartons used for shipping. The canned water will be dispatched to breweries in Golden, Colo.; Fort Worth, Texas; Albany, Ga.; and Shenandoah, Vir., allowing for quick distribution to disaster-stricken areas.
In the past year, Molson Coors has provided water to individuals impacted by floods in Houston and Northwest Iowa, as well as wildfires in the Texas Panhandle and Hurricanes Helene and Milton. In January, the company collaborated with Blue Run Spirits to donate funds to the California Fire Foundation’s Wildfire & Disaster Relief Fund in response to the significant fires in Southern California.