Refillable sales rise (but not definitely!) in Germany

HOME ARCHIV 2003 01.07.2003 Refillable sales rise in Germany
 

The downward trend over recent years for refillable containers has been reversed, and sales have started to climb.

A second study by the environment association Umwelthilfe on the impact of the deposit at the beginning of 2003 suggests that nearly half of the single use containers (with a deposit of between €0.25-0.50) have been replaced by refillable containers (which have a deposit of €0.08-0.15).

Carbonated drinks such as cola have shown the largest increase, with beer sales also showing an increase in the use of refillable containers.

For drinks not affected by the deposit, such as fruit juice, sales in refillable containers have continued to decline. The move has also been a boost for drinks wholesalers and medium-sized breweries, which have seen their turnovers rise.

Losers from the legislation have included the leading producer of single-use water bottles, which has announced cuts to staff hours, and an aluminium recycling company (see Waste Management World, March-April 2003, p.10).

At present, containers have to be returned to the point of sale, but the Environment Ministry and industry are currently negotiating arrangements for a central clearing system that will enable consumers to return cans and bottles to any retail outlet from 1 October this year.