New deposit system in Austria: concerns and opportunities for companies!

New deposit system in Austria: concerns and opportunities for companies!

Österreich - Austria is facing a massive change in dealing with disposable packaging on January 1, 2025. From this date, a new deposit system is introduced, which not only includes plastic but also metal packaging. As the "crown" reports, the upcoming measure ensures heated discussions and ensures worry lines, especially for small companies such as sausage stalls and tobacco stalls. These often do not have the necessary space for large return machines, which questions the system smoothly.

Returning points for everyone

In order to counter the challenges, retail chains such as Billa and Penny offer their markets available as free return points. This could ensure that consumers can easily return their deposit packaging. In addition, all sales outlets that issue disposable pawn packaging are legally obliged to take them back. As the InfoPortal Austria.gv.at explains, shared return points can also be set up at heavily frequented locations to facilitate the return process.

However, the concerns are not unfounded. While some readers react calmly and indicate the positive experiences with the existing pledge system in Germany, other concerns about additional CO₂ emissions are expressed by the increased transport requirement for the additional collective trucks. Critics see the introduction as superfluous and instead demand rigorous measures against plastic waste.