New provisions for the deposit on drink cans [Archives:2005/837/Local News]

The German Packaging Ordinance attracted considerable interest internationally. Countries like Austria and France were prompted to introduce their own national measures. On 12 January 2005 the German federal government adopted an amendment: It simplifies the deposit on drink cans.

Only in December 2004 did the European Court of Justice confirm that the compulsory deposit is in principle compatible with EU law. This decision paved the way for the new provisions. Consumers especially profit from the simplified deposit on one-way packaging – but it is also an advantage for fillers, distributors and small and medium-sized companies, since they are presented with a clear framework for their investments. The new provisions will be implemented in two steps. In the first step, starting May 2005, there will be a standard deposit of 25 cent. Up to now, the deposit on packaging with a volume of more than 1.5 litres has been 50 cent. From May 2006 on, the compulsory deposit will be extended to all ecologically unfriendly one-way packaging and the so called individual solutions will be discontinued.

Under the “individual solutions”, discounters only had to take back one-way drink packaging sold by their own sales chain. In the future, stores that sell drink cans, glass or plastic bottles are obligated to take back corresponding packaging from other drinks manufacturers. Federal Environment Minister Jurgen Trittin states: “With this step the deposit becomes more consumer-friendly. Empty one-way bottles and cans can be returned to any outlet where one-way packaging is sold.” This is also done to promote the development of a uniform nationwide return system.

As of May 2006 the deposit is compulsory for all ecologically unfriendly one-way packaging from 0.1 litres to 3 litres. This includes all packaging of beer, mineral water and carbonated soft drinks which is already subject to deposit. In the future, a deposit must also be paid for non-carbonated soft drinks and alcoholic mixed drinks, especially the so called alcopops: “The deposit is compulsory for iced tea cans just as it is for coke or beer cans. A shot of alcohol will not – anymore – exempt a drink from the deposit on drink cans”, says Federal Environment Minister Jurgen Trittin. Packaging of juices, milk and wine as well as ecologically advantageous packaging such as drink cartons, polyethylene tubular bags and stand-up bags remain exempt from deposit.
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