In 2025, supermarkets will fully introduce the deposit system for plastic bottles and cans

In the struggle to reduce garbage and promote circular economy, the Austrian government is revising two measures that directly affect the retail industry. From January 2024, supermarkets will be obliged to provide reusable packaging of beer, water, fruit juice, milk and soft drinks, which accounts for 10% to 15% of the total.

25 cents for fixed plastic bottles and cans

In addition, in order to achieve the goal of the EU, the deposit system for plastic bottles and cans will be introduced in 2025. This stipulates that 77% of disposable plastic bottles will be collected by 2025, and even 90% by 2029. 110 million euros for switching to disposable deposits and reusable bottles

According to a statement, the supermarket chain Hofer is now the first discount store in Austria to invest in the recycling of beverage containers, and together with the leader of circular economy "Tomra", it provides its customers with empty container return machines (like the return of milk glass bottles). The price of plastic bottles and cans can be as high as 30 cents.

"This service is not only beneficial to the environment, but also has a positive impact on customers!" Supermarket said that in Austria, a considerable number of 63000 tons of cans and plastic bottles will be sent into the environment-friendly circular economy every year, which can be said to kill two birds with one stone.