Austria's re-way revolution: 90 % of drinks 2025 in glass!

Austria's re-way revolution: 90 % of drinks 2025 in glass!

As part of the new legal regulations for avoiding waste and promoting reusable packaging, all food retailers in Austria must offer drinks in reusable packaging from the beginning of 2024. According to Kleinezeitung.at, the majority of the reusable packaging in Austria, namely 97.5 percent, consists of glass. These regulations are part of a comprehensive plan that aims to increase the reusable rate to 90 percent by 2025 and to apply it across the board by 2026.

The regulations include data from 360 companies with a total of 3,911 branches over 400 square meters of retail space. Environment Minister Norbert Tettschnig emphasizes the importance of reusable packaging for environmental protection, while environmental associations are demanding more binding and ambitious approaches in the circular economy.

EU regulations for packaging reduction

In addition, manufacturers must offer lighter packaging, and a ban on certain disposable plastic packaging will come into force from January 2030. The regulations also set special goals for reuse of packaging and obliged final distributors to enable customers to use their own containers.

potential of reusable packaging

The results of a research project on the promotion of reusable packaging show that the packaging use can be reduced in 13 out of 15 segments examined. As reports the Federal Environment Agency, the commercial sector is particularly affected. However, there are still a few hurdles to the broad implementation, such as return options and logistical challenges. Information deficits and investment costs also represent important factors.

The doctorate of reusable packaging is considered essential to avoid waste and reduce environmental pollution. A legally binding reusable rate model is discussed that could include at least 50 % reusable rate for beverage packaging.

food waste and consciousness formation

In Austria, over one million tons of enjoyable food end up in the trash every year, which illustrates the urgency of initiatives to reduce food waste. The project "Does anyone eat that?" aims to sharpen the awareness of this grievance and give action tips to avoid. According to the figures of the [Kleinezeitung.at] (https://www.kleinezeitung.at/service/newsticker/chronik/19761532/19-pren-getraenke-2024-in- in-road, 54 percent of avoidable food waste in private households.

By combining legislative measures, awareness -enhancing campaigns and the support of companies, Austria could take an important step towards a more sustainable future.