This is a case where casting the first stone is a good thing. The Penta Water Company, dedicated to keeping the environment as pure as its water, is taking the bold step of turning to one of nature's more prolific resources -- limestone -- for its new packaging. In collaboration with Earth First Packaging, Penta is the first company in the bottled-water industry to convert its plastic-based BOPP labels to ThermoStone™. This environmentally friendly alternative to traditional packaging materials eliminates all BOPP and pulp-based material from the label and is 100 percent recyclable and degradable.

ThermoStone™ is made with a patented process that creates a bright white sheet that prints well, is machine-ready and is perfect for the natural products industry. By converting labels to this limestone-based product, Penta will enhance its commitment to the environment by utilizing a product that eliminates use of trees, bleach, oil and formaldehyde, and greatly reduces use of water during the manufacturing process. The labels require less energy to produce than those using PVC or plastic, resulting in lower carbon emissions and a smaller environmental footprint.

"Penta is committed to keeping our environment as clean as our water, and we embrace the opportunity to lead the industry by incorporating Earth First's ThermoStone™ labels," said Gregory Probert, CEO of Penta Water Company. "In addition to the environmentally friendly elements of the manufacturing process, the recyclable and degradable aspects of the label ensure we are decreasing pressure on our nation's landfills."

Penta Water is the world's only patented water. Penta's 13-step state-of-the-art system purifies the water more vigorously than other waters, then spins it during an 11-hour patented process that energizes the water, creating antioxidant activity with no additives, which neutralizes free radicals in the body. Penta Water Company produces Penta in a state-of-the-art bottling facility in Carlsbad, Calif. Currently, Penta is available nationwide in approximately 3,500 retail outlets, and is sold internationally in Australia, Canada and Japan. For more information, visit www.pentawater.com.