European countries using deposit return schemes, such as Estonia, have recycling rates far better than the UK. More firms are expected to announce bottle deposit return services after Coca-Cola unexpectedly came out in favour of the idea. Pepsi, Nestlé, Unilever and M&S have already committed to producing more eco-friendly bottles by using plant-based materials or less plastic, and an uptick in that trend could now be on the cards. Piotr Barczak of the European Environmental Bureau said: “If Coca-Cola are serious about this then we can expect other companies – particularly smaller competitors – to follow suit.” Rauno Raal, the CEO of the organisation that runs Estonia’s deposit return system said: “Consumers have a fast growing environmental awareness, which means that business is not any more just about revenue and profit, but also social responsibility and impact. Now that a market leader such as Coca-Cola has come to this understanding, others will follow.” Coca-Cola’s announcement surprised many, coming after reports that the company was trying to fight proposals for a recycling trial in Scotland. But the firm could be responding to public feeling on the issue, and continental trends.
Subscribe to our free mailing list and always be the first to receive the latest news and updates.