A Review of the Suitability of Using Eco-Efficiency Principles in Managing Environmental Impacts of the Packaged Water Industry in Ghana

Abstract

The production and use of sachet water in Ghana has been consistently increasing, filling the gap of inadequate access to safe drinking water. Despite the obvious significant socio-economic impact of the packaged water industry in Ghana, the associated environmental impacts of the production and use cannot be overlooked. The aim of this paper is to analyze the prospects of eco-efficiency approach as a more sustainable means of production in the industry, leading towards the sustainable development agenda of the country. The methodology employed in this paper is desktop research with qualitative data collection and analysis, utilizing existing literature or secondary data. It was concluded that there are many good reasons for adopting an eco-efficiency in the packaged water industry, including reducing operating costs and improve profitability by reducing energy, water supply, and solid waste costs, reducing water wastage and contribute in developing solid waste minimization plans. The significance of this paper is to increase the awareness of the effect of improper disposal of sachet waste on the Ghanaian environment and also seeks to inform the management of the many companies in the packaged water industry, stakeholders and consumers to be environmentally responsible, as their actions can help protect and improve the natural environment while improving the overall economy.