Skip to content 
How Much Does a Bottle of Water Cost? And How to Start a Bottled Water Business?
If you are wondering how to start a bottled mineral water factory, you’ll first need to understand the key costs and equipment involved in the process. The cost of producing a bottle of water varies based on factors like raw materials, packaging, and bottling efficiency. Additionally, starting a bottled water business involves various steps, from setting up your factory to selecting the right bottling equipment. In this article, we’ll walk you through how water bottles are manufactured, the cost of bottled water production, and how to start your own water bottling business.
How Much Does a Bottle of Water Cost?
1. Raw Material Cost (PET Bottles, Caps, Labels)
The cost of a bottle of water begins with the raw materials used to make the packaging. Most bottled water companies use PET plastic due to its lightweight, durable, and recyclable properties. Here’s a breakdown of the costs involved:
PET Resin: The primary material for the bottles, costing about $1.00–$1.50 per kg.
Bottle Caps: Injection-molded plastic caps typically cost $0.02–$0.05 per cap.
Labels: Printed labels for bottles cost between $0.03–$0.10 depending on design and material.
2. Filling and Production Costs of Bottled Water Business
Once the bottles are made, the next step is filling them with purified water. The costs here include:
Water Sourcing: If you’re sourcing from a natural spring or using municipal water, there could be costs associated with water rights or purification.
Water Purification: Systems like reverse osmosis (RO), UV treatment, and ozonation systems cost between $5,000–$20,000 depending on the capacity.
Energy Consumption: Blowing, filling, and capping machines all require electricity and compressed air, which significantly affects the production costs. Expect $0.02–$0.05 per bottle in energy costs.
Labor: Depending on the level of automation, labor costs can range from $0.05–$0.10 per bottle.
3. Distribution Costs of Bottled Water Business
Transportation: Delivering bottled water to retailers or consumers can add $0.05–$0.15 per bottle.
Storage: Warehousing costs are typically included in the final price of bottled water, particularly if storage is handled in bulk.
Packaging: Shrink-wrapping or placing bottles in cases can cost an additional $0.10–$0.20 per bottle.
Starting a Bottled Water Business: Step-by-Step Guide
1. Initial Considerations
Before starting a bottled water business, it’s important to conduct market research to understand your target audience and potential demand. You’ll also need to secure the necessary licenses and health certifications (such as FDA approval in the U.S., or equivalent certifications in other countries). Developing a strong business plan will help you outline your production capacity, product pricing, and expected return on investment (ROI).
2. Choosing the Right Location & Factory Setup
Location is critical for a water bottling business. Choose a site near your water source (spring or municipal) to minimize transport costs. The facility must have adequate space for production lines, storage, and packaging. Additionally, consider the water purification system, storage tanks, and utility access.
3. Equipment Required for Your Bottling Business
To start a bottled water production line, you’ll need the following equipment:
PET Preform Making Machine: This machine makes the plastic preforms that will be stretched into bottles.
Bottle Blowing Machine: The PET preform is heated and expanded into the final bottle shape.
Water Filling Machine: This machine fills bottles with purified water. Gravity or pressure filling systems are used depending on the product.
Cap Making Machine: Produces caps that seal the bottles securely.
Labeling & Packaging Machinery: Automatically applies labels to bottles and packages them for retail.
Bottled Water Business Equipment Cost Breakdown
Here’s a breakdown of typical equipment costs:
| Machine | Function | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| PET Preform Making Machine | Makes PET preforms | $15,000 – $60,000 |
| PET Bottle Blowing Machine | Blows preforms into bottles | $20,000 – $80,000 |
| Water Filling Machine | Fills bottles with water | $30,000 – $150,000 |
| Cap Making Machine | Makes caps for the bottles | $10,000 – $30,000 |
| Packaging Machine | Labels and packs bottles | $10,000 – $50,000 |
| Complete Bottling Line | All-in-one system for blowing, filling, and capping | $100,000 – $500,000+ |
4. Return on Investment (ROI)
Setting up a bottled water business can cost anywhere from $100k to $500k+, depending on the scale of your operation. However, with the right business plan and effective marketing strategies, you can expect to recoup your investment in 2-4 years.
Choosing the Right Bottling Equipment
When selecting equipment for your bottled water factory, consider the following:
Production capacity: Determine how many bottles you need to produce daily or hourly.
Automation level: Choose between semi-automatic and fully-automatic equipment depending on your budget and labor availability.
Energy efficiency: Look for machines that offer energy-saving features to reduce operational costs.
Maintenance and support: Make sure you choose machines with excellent after-sales service, as downtime can cost you significantly.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Quality Control: Bottled water quality can suffer from improper handling or contamination during production. Implement automated inspection systems for quality control.
Supply Chain Issues: Secure a reliable supply of PET bottles and caps. It’s important to choose trusted suppliers with quality materials.
Environmental Impact: Consider investing in sustainable packaging options like biodegradable or recyclable materials to reduce your environmental footprint.
Conclusion & Next Steps
Starting a bottled water business is a profitable venture, but it requires significant investment in both equipment and infrastructure. By understanding the cost of a bottle of water and the necessary machinery for production, you can make informed decisions for your business. If you’re looking for turnkey solutions, consider Faygo Union’s complete bottling lines, which include PET preform making, blowing, filling, and capping machines.
For personalized equipment recommendations or inquiries on setting up your bottled water production line, feel free to contact us!
