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By Gul Basak Kiroglu, Regulatory Trends Product Manager
The global packaging industry is experiencing a significant shift towards sustainability, driven by increasing consumer awareness, environmental responsibility and regulatory pressure. A 2022 Sustainable Packaging Consumer Report found that 86% of US consumers are more likely to purchase a product from a brand or retailer if the packaging is considered sustainable. According to a joint study by NIQ and McKinsey in 2023, 92% of shoppers say sustainability is important when choosing a brand today. Searching for a recycling symbol, mark or claim on the product labels is now a routine to consumers.
Beverage containers such as plastic, glass bottles and cans are a focus for global efforts to increase participation in recycling. In the United States alone, approximately 51 million tons of plastic waste was generated in 2021, with beverage containers comprising a significant portion. Only about 5% of all plastic waste was recycled in the US, highlighting the need for effective waste management strategies.
Photo source: Corowa Free Press
Beverage Container Deposit Systems
Beverage Container Deposit Systems (BCD), also known as Bottle Bills, are at their core waste management initiatives designed on one simple principle: to encourage the recycling of beverage containers by imposing a small deposit at the point of sale. The deposit is refunded to consumers when they return the empty containers for recycling to a designated collection point, such as reverse vending machines, retail stores or recycling centers. The primary goals of these systems are to reduce litter, increase recycling rates and promote environmental sustainability.
The schemes can vary in design and implementation but generally include key components such as a Deposit Amount, a Collection Infrastructure and a Recycling Process.
Several countries have successfully implemented BCD systems, showcasing diverse approaches to maximizing efficiency and public participation:
The Danish Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) is one of the oldest legislation implemented for the beverage containers’ deposit and covers glass, metals and PET. It was implemented in 1981 and last amended in 2022. Switzerland’s ordinance on Beverage Containers was implemented in 2000 and last amended in 2022.
Canadian Provinces such as British Columbia and Alberta have robust deposit return systems. In British Columbia, the “Return-It” program allows consumers to receive refunds for a wide range of containers, including plastics, metals, and glass.
The Container Deposit Schemes (CDS) in several Australian states (Victoria, Capital Territory) were implemented in the past couple of years.
The South Korean Act on Recycling Resources from 2023 has a specific chapter on the deposit mentioning “… for the facilitation of the recovery, reuse, recycling, etc. of containers and disposable cups (hereinafter referred to as “containers, etc.”), an amount of money apart from the outbound shipping, import, or sale price (hereinafter referred to as “resource circulation deposit”) shall be included in the price of products…”
In conclusion, Beverage Container Deposit Systems have been shown as effective tools in boosting recycling rates and minimizing litter. By providing financial incentives and creating convenient return options, these systems promote responsible consumer behavior. As countries continue to face environmental challenges, BCD systems offer a sustainable solution that benefits both communities and the planet. Through shared knowledge and best practices, the global community can work towards more effective recycling initiatives and a greener future.