Cano Water, the world’s first canned water brand and Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) last week announced an innovative partnership aimed at helping consumers stay hydrated in the sunshine, while promoting environmental sustainability across the city’s transport network.
This summer, commuters have been enjoying a refreshing twist to their journeys as cans of Cano Water, which are renowned for their infinitely recyclable aluminum packaging, have been distributed at Metrolink’s key city centre stops and transport interchanges. The initiative began in July, when temperatures reached upwards of 24°C, to ensure passengers stay hydrated in the heat – without feeling the need to reach for a plastic water bottle.
Nationally, 25 million plastic bottles are used every day, with the average UK household using 480 plastic bottles a year[i]. To highlight the benefit of switching to aluminium, a Metrolink tram will be wrapped with Cano Water’s distinctive branding for two months. The eye-catching mobile billboard will serve as a powerful reminder of why it’s important to make the sustainable choice as it travels through Greater Manchester.
Metrolink itself exemplifies green transport, powered entirely by electricity produced from modern, cleaner, greener energy sources, with 62% from wind. Emitting zero exhaust fumes and minimal noise, Metrolink’s network of 99 stops offers frequent, reliable services over approximately 60 miles, making sustainable travel a convenient choice for over 44 million passengers each year.
By introducing the Bee Network, Greater Manchester also became the first area in the UK to bring buses back under local control in almost 40 years, and sustainability is also at the heart of the new franchised bus system. Since launching in September 2023, passengers have benefitted from 50 new zero emission buses, with more delivered earlier this year and around 120 others in January 2025 – with more still to follow – as Greater Manchester strives to deliver a fully electric bus fleet by 2032.
Danny Vaughan, TfGM’s Chief Network Officer, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Cano Water to support our Bee Network customers by providing access to free water during very hot weather. As part of our commitment to sustainability we wanted to work with a forward-thinking brand like Cano who share our values, allowing us to cut down on single use plastic on the network while helping our customers on hot days.”
Josh White, CEO & CO-Founder of Cano Water, said, “Our partnership with TfGM is a natural fit, and a testament to how innovative partnerships can drive positive change in busy cities. Just as the Bee Network offers a more sustainable transport option, Cano Water provides an eco-friendly alternative to plastic bottles. Together, we’re making it easier for Manchester residents to make environmentally responsible choices.”
The partnership follows a significant milestone in Cano Water’s sustainability journey, as it recently relocated its production to the UK from its original source in the Austrian Alps. The move has enabled the brand to successfully reduce its carbon footprint by over half while maintaining the exceptional quality and purity of water that Cano Water is celebrated for.
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