Recup (Munich, Germany; www.recup.de/en), an operator for reusable deposit solution, said it is now also offering its reusable cups and trays to catering businesses and consumers in Austria. Recup has been active in Germany for seven years and meanwhile has increased the number of partner businesses – which hand out and take back the reusable tableware – to more than 20,000.

The mint and taupe-coloured reusable cups will also be subject to a EUR 1 deposit in Austria, while a deposit of EUR 5 is charged for resealable trays. Cups purchased in the Alpine republic can also be returned in Germany, and vice versa.

According to the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology, around 680 mn items of disposable packaging are used in Austria every year. Unlike its German neighbour, however, Austria has not imposed an obligation to offer reusable alternatives for takeaway food and drinks.

The country requires a “mandatory reusable packaging offer” for packaged drinks, in force since January 2024. Depending on their sales area, retailers must also offer beer, water, juices, soft drinks, and milk in reusable packaging.

From July 2024, tethered caps – closures that remain connected to the thread by a thin plastic bar even after the bottle has been opened – will be mandatory in Austria as well. This requirement has been in force in Germany since the start of the year. Additionally, Austria is introducing a one-way deposit on plastic bottles and drink cans at the beginning of 2025.