Up to one billion litres of freshwater squeezed from tomatoes could be used to alleviate water shortages in drought-prone areas such as California.
The humble tomato is one of the world's most abundant fruits and contains 95% water; California is among the world's largest single producers. Credit: eugenegurkov / Shutterstock
Spearheaded as part of a partnership between Ingomar Packing Company and Botanical Water Technologies (BWT) - a sister company of the revolutionary Australian plant-based bottled water brand AquaBotanical - the scheme hopes to tackle the growing agricultural and urban needs in the state.
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Set to be delivered to Merced, Fresno, Stanislaus, and Madera counties, some of the areas worst affected by droughts, the two firms may plan an expansion into other hard-hit areas in the US' most-populous state.
The water can be administered to customers through a number of schemes, such as community water sources for schools and mobile homes, water tanks for private homes, used as an ingredient by mineral water companies, groundwater and municipal water replenishment and even used for agricultural or hygiene needs.
The tomatoes for the project will be delivered by Ingomar, which is amongst the largest suppliers of fruit in the US.
Much of the fruit and veg we consume on a daily basis contains as much as 95% water and extracting it is relatively easy.
BWT takes harvested fruit and presses it to extract juice, which is then evaporated into sugar or concentrate, and then condensed into the water.
The firm claims a lot of water is made "in the process" and, until recently, the concentrates were discarded, often to the detriment of the environment.
It claims, rather ambitiously, that up to 100 million people could be given access to clean water through this and similar methods by 2025, although true numbers will be hard to gauge for now.
It also claims that, globally, the equivalent of 3 trillion litres of water is discarded each year, and tech such as this could make a massive difference as the scarcity continues to grow.
The US is responsible for around 40% of the global demand for tomatoes, with the country producing around 1.4 million metric tonnes per year as of 2018. California is by far the single largest producer, accounting for over 80% of the total.
They are primarily grown in the Sacramento Valley and San Joaquin Valley areas and are typically grown in late January-early June with harvesting taking place in early Autumn. Typically, they have a growing period of a little over 90 days.
Water shortages are only going to become more common due to climate change. Arid areas will see longer dry spells and currently lush areas may experience desertification.
Ingomar's tomato production facility in Los Banos, California, USA. Credit: Ingomar Packing Company via Botanical Water Technologies
According to the UN, as much as 40% of the global population is at risk of water shortages, with two-thirds of the population - around four billion people - experiencing water scarcity for at least one month of the year. It is estimated that half of the people on Earth could live in areas with worse shortages by 2025.
As such, finding fresh and clean sources of water is vital for the well-being of much of the planet, especially as the population continues to grow.
BWT claims it could produce as much as "3 trillion litres" of plant-based water by 2025 with the partnerships it has forged around the world.
Ingomar CEO Gregg Pruett claims they are "set to become the first company to grow plant-based drinking water in America."
"California is facing a water crisis and we are honoured to be making a difference.
"Ingomar strives to be globally recognised as the premium supplier of industrial tomato products by consistently demonstrating their commitment to their employees, customers, and community," he added.
Ingomar has been making strides towards sustainability since at least 2010. Since then, it has significantly reduced waste and pollution in growing tomatoes, and has minimised the use of landfills.
It is very important that projects that strive to aid in environmental or sustainability efforts do not end up causing more harm than good.
It claims as much as 1 billion litres (260,000 gallons) of water can be derived from its average 90-day harvesting season.
It will also help alleviate the depletion of natural water sources and can even do its part to meet the global demand for drinking water.
“Reducing all wastage from industrial processes is a key pillar of a circular economy. We are on an exciting journey to create up to three trillion litres of the world's first plant-based water and give clean drinking water to 100 million of the world's most vulnerable people by 2025.” Terry Paule, Co-Founder & CEO of BWT said.
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“We want to be harvesting, purifying and delivering botanical water within a 200-mile radius to further reduce our environmental footprint."
The firm's name comes from its foundation to bring water to vulnerable people across the world.
“The Botanical Water Foundation exists to deliver our botanical water to people who need it most, at no cost. Our foundation will then work with many charitable organizations and impact partners across the globe who have existing infrastructure. We can provide them free water, via charitable organisations and other impact partners. In doing so, we can reach the world's poorest people and positively impact millions of lives,” Paule added.
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