BRITA is a German water filtration company best known for its household water filter pitchers, faucet filtration systems, water filter bottles, and professional water filtration solutions for coffee machines, restaurants, offices, and commercial applications. Founded in 1966, BRITA is widely recognized as one of the pioneers and global leaders in point-of-use drinking water filtration technology. Today, the company operates in nearly 70 countries and serves both consumer and commercial markets. [1]

BRITA was founded in 1966 by Heinz Hankammer in Germany. The company’s name comes from his daughter, Brita Hankammer. Initially, the company focused on developing filtration systems that removed minerals from water used in automobile batteries. [1]

In 1967, BRITA introduced its first commercial product, AquaDeMat, designed to demineralize water for lead-acid batteries. [1]

During the early 1970s, the company shifted its focus to household drinking water and introduced one of the world’s first domestic water filter jugs. Heinz Hankammer patented this design, using ion exchange resin and activated carbon to reduce limescale, chlorine taste, and odor, improving both water quality and taste. [1]

The success of this innovation transformed BRITA from a small family business into an internationally recognized water filtration company. [1]

Following its success in Germany, BRITA expanded across Europe before entering markets in Asia, North America, and other regions. [1]

Today, BRITA:

• Operates in approximately 69 countries

• Has around 30 subsidiaries and branches

• Employs more than 2,000 people worldwide

• Generates most of its revenue outside Germany

• Continues expanding both consumer and commercial filtration businesses [1]

Household Products

BRITA’s consumer product portfolio includes:

• Water filter pitchers

• Water filter dispensers

• Filter bottles

• Faucet-mounted filtration systems

• Under-sink filtration systems

• Replacement filter cartridges

These products are designed primarily to:

• Reduce chlorine taste and odor

• Reduce limescale (hardness)

• Improve the taste of drinking water

• Reduce selected contaminants, depending on the filter model and certification [1]

Professional Solutions

BRITA also manufactures commercial filtration systems for:

• Coffee shops

• Restaurants

• Hotels

• Offices

• Hospitals

• Catering businesses

• Vending machines

Professional filters help:

• Protect equipment from limescale buildup

• Improve beverage quality

• Extend machine lifespan

• Reduce maintenance costs [1]

BRITA filters commonly use a combination of:

• Activated Carbon – reduces chlorine, unwanted tastes, odors, and some organic compounds.

• Ion Exchange Resin – reduces hardness-causing minerals such as calcium and magnesium, helping prevent limescale.

• Fine Mesh Filtration – captures small particles and sediments.

Some premium BRITA filters are certified to reduce additional contaminants such as lead, copper, and certain PFAS compounds, depending on the specific product model and regional certification. [1]

Sustainability is a major part of BRITA’s business strategy. The company promotes replacing single-use plastic water bottles with filtered tap water to reduce plastic waste and carbon emissions. [1]

Its sustainability efforts include:

• Recycling programs for used filter cartridges in selected countries

• Recyclable product components where possible

• Reduced plastic packaging

• Encouraging long-term use of reusable water filtration systems

According to the company, over 20 billion liters of water pass through BRITA products each year. [1]

BRITA is considered one of the most recognized names in household water filtration. Its products are sold through supermarkets, department stores, home improvement retailers, and online marketplaces worldwide. [1]

The company competes with brands such as:

• PUR

• ZeroWater

• Culligan

• BWT

• Aquaphor

• Philips Water Solutions (in selected markets)

BRITA remains a family-owned company. [1]

• Founder: Heinz Hankammer

• Current CEO: Markus Hankammer (son of the founder)

The company has maintained family leadership while expanding into a global enterprise. [1]

• 1966 – BRITA founded in Germany.

• 1967 – Launch of AquaDeMat water demineralization system.

• Early 1970s – Introduction of the first BRITA household water filter pitcher.

• 1980s – Expansion into commercial filtration systems.

• 1999 – Markus Hankammer becomes CEO.

• 2016 – BRITA celebrates its 50th anniversary.

• Today – Products sold in nearly 70 countries with manufacturing facilities in Europe and Asia. [1]

BRITA’s long-term vision is to improve everyday drinking water through innovative filtration technologies while encouraging more sustainable water consumption. Its products aim to provide convenient access to better-tasting tap water while reducing reliance on bottled water. [1]

1. About BRITA – Company Facts & Figures | BRITA®