Impact Water is a sustainable beverage startup co‑founded by Rhea Raheja and Ishaan Nangia. The brand is disrupting India’s packaged water market by offering eco‑friendly hydration in recyclable paper cartons, aiming to reduce plastic waste while promoting conscious consumption.
🌟 Introduction
India’s packaged water industry, valued at over $9.5 billion, has long been dominated by plastic bottles. With growing concerns about environmental sustainability, a new wave of eco‑conscious brands is emerging. Among them, Impact Water stands out for its mission to rethink hydration by offering water in plant‑based, recyclable cartons. Founded by Rhea Raheja (scion of the K Raheja Group) and her school companion Ishaan Nangia, the company is positioning itself as a premium yet sustainable alternative to traditional bottled water.
👤 Founders and Vision
Rhea Raheja
- Comes from the K Raheja Group, one of India’s leading real estate and retail conglomerates.
- Brings entrepreneurial drive and brand vision to Impact Water.
- Focuses on consumer experience, branding, and sustainability positioning.
Ishaan Nangia
- Co‑founder and operations lead at Impact Water.
- Background in hospitality and business management.
- Oversees finance, compliance, and retail infrastructure, ensuring scalability and sustainability.
Shared Mission
Together, Rhea and Ishaan envision Impact Water as a values‑driven brand that not only quenches thirst but also contributes to reducing India’s reliance on single‑use plastics.
⚙️ What Impact Water Offers
- Eco‑Friendly Packaging: Premium drinking water packaged in paper‑based cartons instead of PET bottles.
- Sustainability Focus: Plant‑based cartons designed to minimize environmental impact.
- Hospitality Partnerships: Targeting hotels, restaurants, and events where eco‑friendly alternatives are in demand.
- Premium Positioning: Appeals to eco‑conscious consumers willing to pay a small premium for sustainability.
🌍 Market Position
- Industry Disruption: Challenges established bottled water brands by introducing carton‑packaged water.
- Target Audience: Urban millennials, hospitality industry, and environmentally aware consumers.
- Competitive Edge: First‑mover advantage in India’s eco‑hydration space.
- Brand Identity: Positioned as a conscious lifestyle choice, not just a beverage.
📊 Comparison: Impact Water vs Traditional Bottled Water
| Feature | Traditional Bottled Water (PET) | Impact Water |
|---|---|---|
| Packaging | Plastic bottles (PET) | Paper‑based recyclable cartons |
| Environmental Impact | High plastic waste | Reduced carbon footprint |
| Consumer Appeal | Mass market | Eco‑conscious, premium |
| Price Point | Affordable, everyday | Slight premium for sustainability |
| Brand Identity | Commodity | Lifestyle + sustainability |
🏆 Why Impact Water Stands Out
- Sustainability First: Tackles India’s plastic waste problem head‑on.
- Innovative Packaging: Introduces a new format in the Indian market.
- Premium Branding: Appeals to consumers who value both health and environmental responsibility.
- Founder Credibility: Backed by entrepreneurial vision and operational expertise.
✨ Conclusion
Founded by Rhea Raheja and Ishaan Nangia, Impact Water is more than just a hydration brand—it’s a movement towards conscious consumption. By offering water in recyclable cartons, the company is challenging the dominance of plastic bottles and inspiring a shift in consumer behavior.
As India grapples with sustainability challenges, Impact Water represents a fresh, innovative solution that blends eco‑friendliness, premium quality, and modern branding. With its strong leadership and clear mission, the brand is poised to make a lasting impact on how India hydrates.
