brita

Brita is a brand of water filtration products known for consumer home filtration systems and portable filters. The brand originated in Germany, with Brita GmbH founded in 1966 by entrepreneur Heinz Hankammer in Taunusstein. The company introduced the first widely marketed home water filter pitcher and subsequently expanded its line to include faucet-mounted filters, countertop pitchers, water bottles, and replacement cartridges sold under the Brita name. Brita products are marketed and sold in many countries worldwide.

Filtration technology used by Brita generally combines activated carbon block with ion-exchange media. The activated carbon improves taste and odor by removing chlorine and some organic compounds, while the ion-exchange resin targets certain dissolved minerals and contaminants, such as lead, in some models. The exact contaminants removed depend on the filter type and product line, and newer filters may include additional filtration technologies.

Certifications and regulation: Brita filters are commonly certified by independent organizations such as NSF International or the Water Quality Association. Certifications commonly cited cover taste and odor reduction (NSF/ANSI 42) and contaminant reduction (NSF/ANSI 53), with some models listed for additional contaminants or performance criteria. Certification details vary by country and product.

Usage and environmental impact: Replacement filters are required periodically, with replacement intervals set by model and water usage. Brita positions its products as alternatives to bottled water and notes that using their filters can reduce plastic waste associated with bottled beverages. The brand emphasizes accessibility of filtration across household, travel, and office settings.