Sparkling water has long been a beloved staple across Europe, with regional preferences for mineral-rich, effervescent bottled water driving consistent demand. In 2023, Europe’s sparkling bottled water market was valued at around USD 6.88 billion, with projections reaching USD 10.14 billion by 2030. Moreover, analysts estimate that Europe accounts for roughly 45% of the global sparkling water market share.
Related: Europe Sparkling Bottled Water Market
Health consciousness and a shift away from sugar-laden soft drinks have propelled sparkling water’s popularity, with 26% of Europeans increasing bottled water intake in the past year, largely for health, lifestyle, and flavour reasons . Sustainability trends are also strong, as consumers increasingly demand recyclable packaging and low-carbon products.
Related: Global Sparkling Water Market Grows at a Staggering CAGR of 6.8%
A recent press release from PR Newswire underscores this surge: the global market for sparkling water is expected to escalate from US $28.03 billion in 2023 to US $68.03 billion by 2031, driven by the pursuit of healthier, low-calorie beverages.
However, while sparkling water’s popularity is soaring, consumers must also consider the environmental costs. The heavy reliance on single-use plastic bottles is a growing concern, contributing significantly to global plastic waste and carbon emissions.
It’s time to rethink our habits. Switching to soda water makers at home is not only a more convenient choice, but also an essential step toward a more sustainable lifestyle. Home soda machines like the Ciarra Fizzify Sparkling Water Maker offer an eco-friendly, reusable alternative that helps reduce plastic waste while still enjoying your favourite fizzy drinks.
What is a Sparkling Water Maker?
A sparkling water maker, also known as a soda maker or carbonator, is a home appliance that carbonates tap water, turning it into sparkling water or soda. It typically uses a replaceable carbon dioxide (CO₂) cylinder to inject bubbles into the water. Some models also allow you to add flavors to create custom sodas.
How Does a Sparkling Water Maker Work?
A sparkling water maker works by using a CO₂ cylinder to pressurize carbon dioxide gas into cold water. You simply fill a reusable bottle with water, attach it to the machine, and press a button or lever to release CO₂ into the bottle. The gas dissolves in the water, creating the bubbles. The carbonation level can often be adjusted by how many times you press the button.
Is Sparkling Water Actually Healthy?
Yes, plain sparkling water is generally considered healthy. It is simply carbonated water with no sugar, calories, or artificial additives. Sparkling water can help with hydration and is a much healthier alternative to sugary soft drinks.
However, there is a difference between homemade sparkling water made with a soda maker and store-bought bottled sparkling water:
Homemade sparkling water is typically just carbonated tap water with no added ingredients, making it a very pure and healthy option. You control what goes into your drink and can avoid sugars, artificial sweeteners, and preservatives.
Store-bought bottled sparkling water often contains added flavours, sweeteners, acids (like citric acid), and sometimes sodium, which can make it less healthy—especially if consumed in large amounts. The acidity in some flavoured sparkling waters can also contribute to tooth enamel erosion over time.
If you want to stay healthy, making sparkling water at home is the best option because it gives you full control over what you drink.
In summary:
- Homemade sparkling water (using a soda maker) is the healthier and more environmentally friendly choice.
- Bottled sparkling water may contain added ingredients that are not always ideal for regular consumption.
Sparkling Water Maker vs Bottled Sparkling Water: Environmental Impact
1. Plastic Waste
Globally, over one million plastic bottles are purchased every minute, and a significant portion of these are for bottled water, including sparkling varieties. According to The Guardian, less than 10% of plastic bottles are actually recycled, meaning the vast majority end up in landfills, incinerators, or worse—polluting our oceans and natural ecosystems.
In the UK alone, it is estimated that approximately 7.7 billion plastic water bottles are used each year. Even when disposed of properly, the production and transport of bottled water contribute heavily to carbon emissions and resource depletion.
Impact Breakdown:
- Up to 8 million tonnes of plastic enter the ocean every year.
- Plastic bottles can take up to 450 years to decompose.
- Transporting bottled sparkling water significantly increases carbon footprint compared to home carbonation.
By switching to a home soda maker like the Ciarra Fizzify, each user can save up to 120 plastic bottles per CO₂ cylinder. Over the course of a year, this could prevent hundreds of bottles per household from entering the waste stream.
Additionally, the reusable BPA-free bottles included with the Ciarra Fizzify are designed for long-term use, further reducing the need for single-use plastics. Unlike store-bought sparkling water, which often comes in disposable packaging, homemade sparkling water encourages a circular, zero-waste system.
2. Carbon Footprint
While bottled sparkling water seems like a simple product, its carbon footprint is surprisingly high. Every step—from production to delivery—leaves a significant environmental impact.
Manufacturing a single-use plastic bottle generates about 82.8 grams of CO₂ emissions. When scaled to millions of bottles, this becomes a major contributor to global greenhouse gases.
And bottled sparkling water is often transported over long distances. According to a Pacific Institute study, moving bottled water over thousands of miles can emit up to 2,000 times more carbon dioxide than producing tap water.
What's More, many sparkling waters are stored and sold chilled, which requires additional energy for refrigeration, especially in large supermarkets.
| Bottled Sparkling Water | Home Soda Makers (like Ciarra Fizzify) |
| Involves plastic manufacturing, bottling, shipping, and storage. | Minimal carbon footprint after initial purchase. |
| Carbon footprint per litre: approximately up to 400g CO₂ equivalent, depending on transport distance. | Cut out almost all transport-related emissions. |
| Manual operation (no electricity required), making it extremely energy-efficient. |
Real-World Impact Example:
If an average household consumes two bottles of sparkling water per day, that’s roughly 730 bottles per year, generating about 60 kilograms of CO₂ emissions just from the plastic !!!
SO, Join the Movement – Get Your Soda Maker and Start Saving Now!
3. Energy Consumption
Home soda machines typically use manual carbonation, which requires no electricity, making them energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. This manual operation means that every fizzy drink you make leaves virtually no energy footprint. You simply press the carbonation button a few times to achieve your preferred level of bubbles — all through clean, mechanical pressure.
Especially models like the Ciarra Fizzify is their ultra-low energy consumption.
- No batteries.
- No power cords.
- No standby energy loss.
Cost Comparison: Is a Sparkling Water Maker Cheaper?
While a sparkling water maker has an upfront cost, the long-term savings are clear.
Ciarra Fizzify Sparkling Water Maker offers a highly affordable, portable option.
One CO₂ cylinder can carbonate up to 60 litres of water, replacing about 120 plastic bottles (based on 500ml bottles).
The cost per litre of homemade sparkling water is typically much lower than store-bought bottled water.
Within a few months, many users find that the soda maker has paid for itself.
Benefits of Using a Soda Water Maker at Home
Based on the above, we can conclude that:
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Cost Savings: Home soda makers significantly reduce long-term spending compared to buying bottled sparkling water.
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Customisation: Easily control carbonation levels and add your own flavours, fruits, or syrups.
- Plastic Waste Reduction: One CO₂ cylinder can replace up to 120 plastic bottles, helping cut down on single-use plastics.
- Lower Carbon Footprint: Home carbonation eliminates transport emissions, bottling processes, and reduces your environmental impact.
- Zero Energy Consumption: Manual soda makers like Ciarra Fizzify use no electricity, making them energy-efficient and eco-friendly.
- Portability: Compact and travel-ready, perfect for home, work, picnics, and outdoor adventures.
How to Choose the Best Soda Water Maker for Sustainability
Key Features to Look For:
- Reusable, BPA-Free Bottles: Like those included with the Ciarra Fizzify.
- Ease of Use: Quick bottle locking systems save time and effort.
- Portability: Ciarra Fizzify is compact and easy to take anywhere.
- Manual Operation: No electricity required = lower carbon footprint.
- CO₂ Cylinder Compatibility: Make sure it’s easy to find and exchange CO₂ in your area.
For a truly eco-friendly and travel-ready option, the Ciarra Fizzify Sparkling Water Maker is one of the top choices for UK consumers who value convenience and sustainability.
Ciarra Fizzify Sparkling Water Maker
- Material: ABS
- Dimensions: 188 × 125 × 422 mm
- Weight: 1.5 Kg / 3.3 Lbs
- Operation: Lever
- Liquid Type: Water, juice, alcohol, and more
- Electricity Required? No
- Dishwasher-Safe Bottle? No
How to Use the CIARRA Fizzify Sparkling Water Maker to Make Fizzy Water at Home?
Making fizzy water with the CIARRA Fizzify is quick, simple, and mess-free. Just follow these easy steps:
Step 1: Fill the Bottle
Fill the reusable bottle with cold water. For the best fizz, make sure the water is well chilled.
Step 2: Lock the Bottle in Place
Insert the bottle into the soda maker’s quick-lock system.
No twisting is needed—simply push the bottle fully upright until it clicks securely into place.
Step 3: Start Carbonating
Press the carbonation button 2-3 times until you hear a hissing sound.
This means the carbonation process has started.
Step 4: Adjust the Fizz Level
Press the carbonation button another 2-3 times to reach your desired fizz level.
The more you press, the stronger the bubbles.
CO₂ Cylinder Not Included – Must Be Purchased Separately
- Compatible with any standard screw-in 400–425g / 60L CO₂ cylinder (e.g. SodaStream*, AGA, Linde – excluding Quick Connect models)
- Easily available for exchange or purchase online and in-store
CIARRA Fizzify VS SodaStream VS Aarke
| Feature | CIARRA Fizzify | SodaStream | Aarke |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Portable, manual | Mainly home-use, some electric models | Home-use, premium manual |
| Power Source | Manual, no electricity | Manual & electric models | Manual, no electricity |
| Bottle Locking System | Quick-lock, no twisting required | Traditional twist-to-lock system | Traditional twist-to-lock system |
| CO₂ Cylinder Compatibility | Need to Buy | Some models require branded cylinders | Compatible with standard cylinders |
| Carbonation Control | Manual, press the button to adjust the fizz | Manual or preset electric levels | Manual, press the lever to adjust the fizz |
| Ease of Use | Very easy, quick setup | Easy, but may require twisting bottles | Easy but less intuitive |
| Energy Consumption | Zero electricity | Some models require electricity | Zero electricity |
| Environmental Impact | Very low, reusable BPA-free bottles | Reduces plastic waste, but some energy used | Reduces plastic waste |
| Design | Compact, portable, simple | Bulkier, countertop-focused | Sleek, premium stainless steel |
| Price Range | Affordable- just $69 | Mid to high ($150+) | High |
Why Choose Ciarra Fizzify
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Most portable and energy-efficient option
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Quick-lock system for effortless bottle installation
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Works without electricity – perfect for travel and outdoor use
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Compatible with standard CO₂ cylinders – more cost-effective
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Excellent value for money
If you prioritise portability, energy efficiency, ease of use, and eco-friendliness, the Ciarra Fizzify is the ideal choice. If you prefer a stationary home appliance with electric convenience, SodaStream or Aarke may be more suitable.
Conclusion
Switching to a home sparkling water maker is a smart choice both financially and environmentally. Bottled sparkling water contributes to plastic waste, carbon emissions, and higher long-term costs.
The Ciarra Fizzify Sparkling Water Maker offers an affordable, portable, and eco-friendly alternative. With its quick setup, reusable bottles, and manual carbonation system, it provides a sustainable solution without compromising on convenience or flavour.