Coca-Cola may trial deposit return scheme in Scotland

By Jenny Eagle

- Last updated on GMT

Coca-Cola to trial deposit return scheme in Scotland. Picture: Coca-Cola.
Coca-Cola to trial deposit return scheme in Scotland. Picture: Coca-Cola.

Related tags Recycling Sustainability

Coca-Cola is reviewing its sustainable packaging strategy, and may trial a deposit return recycling scheme in Scotland.

The decision came after the company asked consumers in a survey what they were looking for to increase recycling rates.

On-going review

It said 63% of people supported the introduction of a deposit scheme in the UK and 51% said they’d be more likely to recycle if it was available. 

“While our review is still ongoing, it’s clear to us the time is right to trial a well-designed deposit scheme for drinks containers, starting in Scotland where conversations are already underway already,”​ the company said in a statement. 

According to Coca-Cola Great Britain, recycling rates in the UK are stalling and it believes people want to see companies like them do more to help. 

It says it has embarked on a major review of its sustainable packaging strategy and wants to make sure its packaging is as sustainable as possible and easy to recycle as part of the Circular Economy initiative. 

“We’ve made significant progress to improve the sustainability of our packaging in recent years. All our bottles and cans are 100% recyclable. We’ve also reduced the amount of material we use, making our packs as light as possible and we are committed to increasing the amount of recycled and renewable material in our plastic bottles from 25% to 40% by 2020,” ​a Coca-Cola spokesman said.

“Since the start of the year, we have been consulting with expert organisations, NGOs and policymakers. We are focused on our packaging, the role of our brands and the ways we can collaborate with others to improve recycling rates and reduce litter. 

“We know that deposit schemes can work if they are developed as part of an overall strategy on the circular economy, in collaboration with all industry stakeholders.” 

Coca-Cola said it will publish the results of its review and sustainable packaging strategy in the summer. 

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1 comment

Deposit scheme

Posted by Francisco Wong,

This was a big program in Mexico until the plastcs came in. It will be more higene required but prices might be reduced about 25-30 %.

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