Store opens in
Heinz Hankammer, founder of BRITA, sitting inside a forklift in a factory.
Inside BRITA

„Those who cannot dream are not realists.”

History is best written as a team.

Taunusstein, Germany, 1966. Under a pear tree in the garden, Heinz Hankammer builds the very first water filters based on an idea of their own. No more space is needed. Because from the very beginning, BRITA is a family business in the truest sense of the word. Everyone lends a hand – from parents to children. This is where the BRITA story begins. Our story. A story of pioneering spirit, smart ideas and the courage to turn them into reality. And, of course, a story about water.
Black and white photo of Hankammer family by a table with jars and buckets outdoors.
BRITA Aquademat filter units with hoses on blue background.
Orange BRITA water filter jug with packaging on a blue background.
BRITA AquaSoft and AquaQuell early water filtration systems displayed on blue background.
BRITA production line processing MAXTRA water filter components on conveyor belt.
Hand scooping water out of a river with mountains in the background.
Person touching water in a natural setting with mountains in the background.
A woman from BRITA's Sensory Department is tasting water.
A group of people is clapping their hands.
Modern kitchen setup with a white and black BRITA sodaONE on a wooden surface.
Morphing animation showcasing the very first BRITA jug transforming into a recent BRITA jug.

1966

Our founder, Heinz Hankammer, comes up with the idea of improving tap water through filtration. The first products are made in the family garden.

1967

The AquaDeMat marks the starting point. The filter demineralises water at petrol stations for car batteries. By 1970, 100,000 units have been sold.

From 1970

Our company launches the first filter jug. Shortly afterwards, we develop the first replacement water filter cartridges and patent them. With a self‑developed tea test, Heinz Hankammer demonstrates the benefits of water filtration.

From 1980

We’re growing – first across Europe, then into North America. We also develop our first water filter for commercial use (AquaQuell). In Germany, BRITA has by now become synonymous with water filter jugs.

From 1992

We commit to sustainability and become the first company in the industry to start recycling filter cartridges.

1993

On 22 March, the first World Water Day is celebrated, highlighting the global importance of water and the need to use this vital resource responsibly.

1999

Markus Hankammer takes over the management of the company. Founder Heinz Hankammer becomes Chairman of the newly established Supervisory Board. Also pictured: Brita Hankammer, after whom the company is named.

From 2000

This decade sees us celebrate our 40th company anniversary and marks the beginning of an era of innovation. Alongside MAXTRA, we introduce INTENZA – another water filter cartridge for household appliances. Another major milestone follows with the launch of the PURITY product range in the Professional Filter segment.

From 2010

We expand into the Middle and Far East – and into the field of mains‑fed water dispensers. The United Nations recognise access to clean water as a human right.

2012

We publish our first sustainability report.

2013

The BRITA Sensory Science department is established. With an in‑house laboratory and professional testers, we are able to refine the quality and taste of BRITA‑filtered water even further.

2016

From a small garden workshop to a global player: right on time for our 50th anniversary, we are the innovative market leader in the drinking water optimisation category, active in 69 countries across five continents.

2020

With the new corporate strategy “Shaping Sustainable Solutions”, we place a clear focus on sustainability. New in the annual report: Planet Contribution as a key performance indicator alongside revenue and profit.

2021

With sodaONE, we launch our first sparkling water maker.

2021

Our new production facility in Bad Camberg, Germany, opens – featuring a timber‑steel‑concrete construction that is particularly energy‑efficient and resource‑saving.

2026

60 years of BRITA. What began under a pear tree in 1966 with family and friends has reached millions of people by 2026. To mark our 60th anniversary, we look ahead – as the starting point of a new era, with the brand itself taking centre stage.

Back to the present. Discover our innovative products of today.

Person pouring filtered water from a blue BRITA Glass Jug into a drinking glass in a living room.
Products for home & on the go

All about Water Filter Jugs, Water Filter Bottles and Water Filter Taps.

Two people at a BRITA water dispenser in an office setting
Water dispensers for business customers

Mains‑fed water dispensers for offices, hospitality and more.

Barista at work in a coffee shop with stacks of cups on the counter.
Water filters for business customers

Professional filtration solutions for cafés and bakeries through to vending machines.

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