The initiative was inspired by sixth formers at the school who had been campaigning for a reduction in the use of plastic after watching the recent Blue Planet II series on BBC One.

Headmaster of Brighton College, Richard Cairns, revealed that his staff will begin to hand out sanctions such as organised beach cleaning for those who continue to use such items following the ban.  He said he wanted to make single-use plastic bottles as much of a taboo on campus as cigarettes.

Single-use plastic has become a hot topic in recent months, with remarkable statistics showing that an estimated 12.7 million tonnes of plastic bottles, bags and microbeads end up in the ocean each year.

However, Ethan Thompson, product manager at Heatrae Sadia, has suggested that schools can help combat these figures by providing drinking water solutions that offer students a convenient way to refill their bottles with fresh and tasty water. 

He said: “We’re beginning to see large companies commit to the reduction of single-use plastics in the food industry, and it’s brilliant to see that schoolchildren are going to their teachers and telling them that they want to help with these efforts. 

“Additionally, the Government is throwing its weight behind initiatives that promote green living, with a focus on reducing the amount of single-use plastic that ends up in UK landfills.

“This is the perfect opportunity for specifiers, school leaders and facilities managers to recommend or install plumbed-in drinking water solutions on their premises. 

“Plumbed-in drinking water units are vital as they offer a continuous supply of cold, filtered water on demand, whilst offering a superior taste in comparison to tap water. They are the perfect location at which to fill up a reusable bottle.”

Heatrae Sadia offers the SuperChill chilled water dispenser which is available in three versions, including the SuperChill 30F, the perfect alternative to bottled water coolers. The product also offers an optional filter accessory and, supplied with its own spout, can be installed alongside existing taps.

As the SuperChill is plumbed into the mains water supply, it produces a plentiful source of refreshment and hydration, with a chilled water capacity of up to 30 litres per hour.