The history of Levico Waters is strongly linked to that of its territory – the Valsugana – which is rich in both ferruginous water (used for curative purposes in the spa establishment), and pure and light natural mineral water. This comes from a different source from the thermal one, and is to this day bottled as Acqua Levico.
The therapeutic properties of the thermal waters of Vetriolo have been known since the Middle Ages. They were mentioned in 1673 by Michelangelo Mariani in his history of the Council of Trent, and since 1700 have been the object of scientific publications.
In 1778 the Levico area was ceded to the Austrian ruling house and in 1779 the empress Maria Teresa took possession of the city. In 1860 a “bathing society” was set up for thermal treatments and the first spa establishments were built. From there the water was brought downstream, the old plant in Levico was built, then destroyed and subsequently rebuilt and enlarged.
After the Second World War, considerable urban expansion took place – also in relation to the development of the spa that passed from the State to the Region, which built the new Thermal Palace in the place of the destroyed Albergo Regina. The old plant was therefore exclusively dedicated to the bottling of Levico Casara natural mineral water (from 2013 it was only known as Levico water) and it came into operation in 1961.
In 2005 the company was acquired by Emmetre srl, owned by the Franzoni family. Since then, Levico Waters has embarked on a path of growth, embracing the vaues of sustainability and respect for the environment, which has taken it to its current production capacity of around 25,000 bottles an hour, and a reputation that also benefits its territory.
Acquisition by EMMETRE
Reorganisation of the production plant
New livery
Introduction of the Quality Inspector
Introduction of the Catering Line
Introduction of 6-bottle crates
Levico joins NaturaSì
New ‘perforated’ livery
“Sustainable Lightness” manifesto.
New image, livery and logo
Blue Valley: Levico Acque reaches Zero Impact
Levico becomes a founding member of MUSE
Introduction Bibite Bio
Alperia Green: energy from renewable sources only
Partnership with Arte Sella and Artist’s Limited Edition
LCA analysis.
EPD and FSC certifications
Manifesto labels
“The Climate Positive Water”
Benefit Corporation
New manifesto “Champions of change”
Levico water, with only 38 milligrams of fixed residue, is one of the lightest waters in Europe. This unique feature guided us in all the decisions taken to preserve and amplify the value of lightness.
A lightness that was also environmentally friendly, synonymous with sustainability. This value is expressed starting from the collection and bottling process, and ends with the exclusive use of glass bottles.
For this reason we preferred to restructure the ancient Levico Waters establishment, instead of building a new one: its original historic core dates back to 1900 and had become an integral part of the landscape. In this context, lightness has meant minimising the impact on the territory.
Consumption has been reduced thanks to the use of highly efficient systems and architectural solutions that can minimise the energy required for winter heating and summer cooling. The original asbestos roof has been replaced with photovoltaic panels which are able to provide around 50% of the building’s energy requirements.
On the production front itself (bottling), work has focused on recuperating bottle washing water, which becomes a source of heating during the winter, and on optimising the glass washing cycle. In 2021, a new bottle washer was installed for sanitising bottles returning to the company to be reused over and over again. The new machine provides even higher safety standards and permits a drastic reduction in consumption of both washing water (-70%) and energy (-60%), thus guaranteeing class-leading standards of energy and production efficiency.
This economic, social and environmental investment expresses more clearly than any other action what it means to Levico Acque to be a Benefit Corporation, in other words, a company that looks beyond profit targets and is committed to all stakeholders, aiming to have a positive impact on the local area, society and the environment.
This effort has made it possible to achieve an energy class A rating, the 2009 LEED ITALY NC certification (a highly eco-compatible and highly self-sufficient building) and the certification of reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and consequent compensation, which has resulted in Levico Waters taking the title of the first company in the ‘zero impact’ certified sector since 2014.
Trentino is one of the most advanced regions of Italy on the subject of renewable energy and respect for the environment.
Trentino-Alto Adige is the northernmost region of Italy and is almost completely mountainous. Its mountains rise up to 2700–3900m and it is one of the most sparsely populated regions of Italy. The whole region is rich in conifer and beech woods, streams and flowers, while in other parts there are numerous meadows and pastures where there is a very high percentage of alpine species of herbs and mushrooms.
In the agricultural sector, apple cultivation is widely practiced. Even viticulture is developed throughout the region and produces high quality wines. . Great importance is placed on tourism, both winter and summer. Local companies are active in the textile, construction, mechanical, wood and paper sectors. The abundance of water and the topography of the region favour the production of hydroelectric energy.
Trentino-Alto Adige is also one of the most advanced Italian regions with regards to the use of renewable energy sources and is one of the first producers of wind, photovoltaic and solar plants.
The constant attention to the environment and the environmental sustainability policies that characterise our territory are the same as the ones which Levico Waters adopts every day in its work.
Lightness and sustainability have guided us in the renovation of our headquarters in terms of zero impact as well as in our choice to use returnable glass.
A rare eighteenth-century city on water, Levico Terme is a world-famous spa destination. The benefits and natural effects of the water from Levico Terme have been known for hundreds of years. At the thermal baths, illnesses related to stress and anxiety as well as gynecological and arthoreumatic problems are treated “naturally”, in addition to respiratory tract illnesses and dermatological diseases.
But Levico is not just a place for spa treatments. Thanks to the nearby lakes of Levico and Caldonazzo and to the peaks of Lagorai and the plateaus, it is one of the most interesting destinations in Trentino. Lake Levico is the second largest lake in Valsugana and, together with Lake Caldonazzo, is among the warmest lakes in Southern Europe. . In 2013, Lake Levico obtained the prestigious international Blue Flag Award of the FEE (Foundation for Environmental Education), thanks to its clear waters, the beach and the municipality of Levico Terme’s eco-sustainable tourism-environmental management policies. The shores of Lake Levico are mostly characterised by the green of the woods, offering numerous walks, including the famous Via dei Pescatori.
The Lagorai mountain range separates the Val di Fiemme from the Valsugana. . The mountains here are a pristine environment, barely touched by man. The slopes are used for cross-country skiing and also trekking. The lakes of Caldonazzo and Levico offer tranquility and relaxation, but also sporting activities and good fun. Just as beautiful are the glacial lakes and rivers which attract high-altitude alpine hikers.
Valsugana
www.visitvalsugana.it
Terme di Levico
www.termedilevico.it
Arte Sella
www.artesella.it
MUSE – Science Museum of Trento and Rovereto
www.muse.it
Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art of Trento and Rovereto
www.mart.trento.it
NATURAL MINERAL WATER
FROM THE HIGH SPRINGS OF THE ITALIAN ALPS
Levico Acque S.B. srl
P.le Stazione, 6 - 38056 Levico Terme (TN)
+39 0461702311
