Stricter controls. More sustainability.Better orientation.
Natural mineral water is the most popular thirst quencher in Germany. Almost 12.8 billion liters were produced by mineral water companies in Germany in 2022. High quality and safety standards are typical of the industry.
Both the springs and the bottling of mineral water are subjected to a conscientious inspection as part of an official recognition. The requirements are defined by the Mineral and Table Water Ordinance (MTVO).
But what if manufacturers want to do even more? Exceeding the legal requirements? Integrating sustainability and environmental protection even better? And support consumers in making conscious purchasing decisions for such products?
To this end, SGS INSTITUT FRESENIUS has developed the "Premium Mineral Water" and "Premium Mineral Water with Organic Quality" awards.
Would you like to learn more about our premium mineral water awards?
Contact us
Regular reviews for long-term security
These tests and controls by the independent experts of SGS INSTITUT FRESENIUS ensure reliable orientation for consumers:
- Detailed chemical and microbiological tests,
- covert market tests,
- annual repeat audits of manufacturers and suppliers,
- Inspection of raw materials and packaging, as well as
- many more tests in the laboratory and on site.
By the way, we attach particular importance to testing products that we buy directly from retailers and do not purchase from the manufacturer.
For the "premium mineral water" and the "premium mineral water with organic quality", SGS INSTITUT FRESENIUS has developed a holistic concept that provides for far stricter orientation values and requirements than those prescribed by law.
At the same time, the topic of sustainability is given a high priority, which more and more consumers are demanding.
A concept that benefits responsible manufacturers as well as discerning consumers.
How does a mineral water become a premium mineral water?
The basis: the sealing process
Before we award a product with the SGS INSTITUT FRESENIUS Quality Seal, it must successfully pass numerous chemical and microbiological tests and audits and withstand regular repeat tests.
This process is also the basis for "premium mineral water" and "premium mineral water with organic quality".
With organic quality to premium mineral water
SGS INSTITUT FRESENIUS defines "organic quality" as the manufacturer's holistic claim. Parameters such as product quality, product safety, product origin as well as ecological and social sustainability are combined in one system and communicated to the consumer in a comprehensible way.
Based on these specifications, we at SGS INSTITUT FRESENIUS have developed a catalogue of requirements.
The requirements of this catalogue of requirements must be met by a premium mineral water with organic quality. However, the manufacturer may only award the label if the product and the production process also meet the requirements for sustainability.
We will be happy to provide you with the complete catalogue of requirements for download.
Download important information
The test plan for the examination of products, ingredients and packaging
A systematic chemical, microbiological and physical examination of the sealed products is ensured by means of a test plan.
Many of the samples are purchased in stores without the knowledge of the manufacturers (mystery shopping).
Each test plan is individual, as the product range of the manufacturers is also individual. Packaging shapes and sizes, carbon dioxide content and distribution channels differ. However, each test plan guarantees that the entire product range is examined. The fulfilment of all requirements for premium mineral water with organic quality must be fully ensured. The test plan is defined by the specialists of the SGS INSTITUT FRESENIUS and updated as necessary. The manufacturers have no influence on the design.
Download the complete sample test plan here.
The Social and Environmental Sustainability Audit Program
Sustainable production protects resources for our and future generations and ensures responsible treatment of employees and the production environment even today.
For this reason, SGS INSTITUT FRESENIUS offers special tests on this topic, which are also a prerequisite for the premium mineral water with organic quality.
Our program contains comprehensive criteria for the examination of social and ecological aspects. For all of them, the manufacturer must prove in the audit process that he has taken them into account. Some of them are particularly important. If processes and facts at these points do not meet our specifications, defects must be consistently eliminated before sealing.
You can download an excerpt from our checklist for the sustainability audit for premium mineral water here.
The requirements of SGS INSTITUT FRESENIUS for the "social and ecological sustainability" award in the seal are demanding and are only met by ambitious mineral water manufacturers.
Quality Seal tests for proof of sustainable production
Would you like to learn more about our premium mineral water awards?
Contact us
Worldwide Mineral Water Specialists
Today, we are the most respected laboratory for analysis, certification and consulting, especially in the field of mineral water.Almost every one of the more than 500 mineral waters in Germany has been tested by us.
And that's not all: SGS INSTITUT FRESENIUS is now active worldwide to provide competent and independent advice to mineral water bottlers.
As an independent testing body, we not only assess the quality of natural mineral water, but also stand up for the responsible use of this valuable natural resource out of conviction and commitment.
Sustainability is not an empty word for us, but the central goal to which we are committed: from the source to the consumer, from the supplier to the label, from the protection of the environment to the guarantee of quality.
We apply strict standards everywhere and support them with our holistic approach.
