Gen Z's latest accessory, is none other than a trusty water bottle. Recent research shows that a staggering seven in 10 Gen Z never leave home without a water bottle, treating it as an essential 'accessory'. The study revealed that this generation often has designated water bottles for different settings such as work, the gym, and even beside their bed.

While the average person might have two bottles, a fifth of Gen Z boast a collection of four or more. For Gen Z, the choice of a water bottle is influenced by aesthetics, eco-friendliness, and brand reputation, with many happy to shell out close to £20 for a bottle from a favoured label.

Culligan UK's spokesperson Michael McAuley, representing the firm behind the research that provides drinking water solutions, observed: "If you look around when out and about, it's rare to see someone without a reusable bottle."

He added, "The choice of water bottles is endless in terms of size and design and youngsters see it as a way of reflecting part of their personality and making their lives easier."

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Beyond being a fashionable item, other motivations for always having a water bottle on hand include environmental concerns and health benefits. More than half of those who aim for a daily water intake target find that carrying a bottle supports this habit.

With Brits forking out an average of £16.70 on a water bottle, a third believe it's not only fashionable but also a cost-effective move as it negates the need to purchase water while on the go.

However, with lack of refill stations available for 25 percent, many have found themselves buying items at cafés just to request a bottle refill, and some have even resorted to using public toilet sinks.

Michael highlights a significant issue: "If there's nowhere to refill them the purpose of carrying a bottle around to stay hydrated is ruined," adding that "with the weather only getting warmer it's important to have water to hand."

A representative from Culligan UK remarked: "The research shows people are calling out for more places to top up their water bottle. Resorting to spending money on things in cafes to have theirs refilled defeats the object of saving in the long run with a reusable one.

They also noted: "Youngsters seem to care about sustainability as well, suggesting why they own many bottles rather than buying plastic ones when out and about."