Chlorophyll Water has been certified under the Clean Label Project, making it the first bottled water in the US to receive this accreditation. The product is a non-GMO, plant-powered purified mountain spring water enhanced with the key ingredient chlorophyll, which is the distinct green pigment in plant life. 

The Clean Label Project is a national nonprofit with the mission to “bring truth and transparency to consumer product labeling and consumer product safety issues” – spanning heavy metals, pesticide residues and plasticizers, other chemicals of concern and truth in labeling.

“Consumers are increasingly concerned about the beverages they put into their bodies and the food they provide for themselves and their families,” remarks Jaclyn Bowen MPH, MS food safety and quality systems engineer and executive director of Clean Label Project.

“Being Clean Label Project’s first bottled water in the US to receive certification demonstrates Chlorophyll Waters commitment to ingredient quality and their purification standards.”

Clean Label Project Certification logo (Credit: Clean Label Project).Stringent testing by senior chemists
Products awarded the Clean Label Project Certification have been tested by senior chemists at an ISO-accredited third-party laboratory, testing for over 90+ industrial environmental contaminants.

The list of contaminants includes heavy metals (including total arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury); pesticide residues and plasticizers (including BPA, BPS, phthalates); and various other chemicals of concern.

“[Chlorophyll Water] helps your liver function which improves detoxification, increases energy, helps to balance hormones, aids in weight loss and also fights cravings, reduces inflammation, increases and refreshes your body’s red blood cells, [works as a] natural internal deodorizer, and promotes anti-aging and glowing skin,” says dietician Allie Gregg.

Diversified certification schemes
On-pack labeling is branching out of traditional categories of organic and fair trade, as there is rising interest among consumers for easily discernible product information.

This week, vertically integrated poultry company Cooks Venture and Food In-Depth created a QR code-backed “No Antibiotics Ever” label for poultry, endorsed by the US Drug Administration.  

A literature review carried out by Wageningen University & Research (WUR) and commissioned by the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality shows that sustainability labels and classifications can positively impact consumer acceptance and raise awareness. Still, they are not yet driving more sustainable consumer behavior.

The research posits that a more significant impact could happen by combining labels and labeling systems, linking them to other drivers of behavior and emphasizing other benefits such as health. For example, traffic-light labels (such as the green-yellow-red health score) make it easier for consumers to choose a sustainable option.

With circular solutions gaining popularity, the Upcycled Food Association released the first upcycled certification program last year, with some of the largest food manufacturers – including Mondelēz, Del Monte and Barry Callebaut – receiving this distinction.