UK
Tetra Pak survey reveals consumer confusion over deposit return scheme / Aldi tests collection in Scotland
 The results of the packaging giant’s poll bode ill for London’s plans (Photo: Tetra Pak) |
A lack of clarity among consumers about how a deposit return scheme (DRS) will work threatens to undermine UK government plans for its own initiative likely due in 2023, according to a survey conducted by Swiss packaging group Tetra Pak (Lausanne; www.tetrapak.com).
The firm said more than half of those surveyed “still don’t understand what the DRS entails”, while nearly 60% of those who had a view on DRS said they would find it confusing unless it were consistent with household recycling collection. Nearly half of consumers said they would be more likely to use the DRS if it included a wider range of materials.
Related: WCL survey assails UK’s recycling plans / Lack of commitment to “all-in” deposit scheme
Confusion currently reigns over what can be recycled through the DRS. More than a third of respondents incorrectly assumed drinks cartons were already included, with the same number saying HDPE plastic containers were also part of the scheme: the forthcoming system is to include neither of these packaging types.
Encouragingly however, more than two-thirds of those surveyed said they would use the new recycling system once introduced.
Meanwhile, German supermarket chain Aldi (Essen; www.aldi.com) has kicked off trials of its first DRS in Scotland, eight months before the Scottish government is set to roll out its programme in July 2022.
Aldi customers can return bottles and cans to its Bathgate store in exchange for a voucher to be redeemed against their shopping. For each item deposited, customers are to receive a 10-pence voucher and can collect up to a maximum of GBP 5 (EUR 4).
The firm said more than half of those surveyed “still don’t understand what the DRS entails”, while nearly 60% of those who had a view on DRS said they would find it confusing unless it were consistent with household recycling collection. Nearly half of consumers said they would be more likely to use the DRS if it included a wider range of materials.
Related: WCL survey assails UK’s recycling plans / Lack of commitment to “all-in” deposit scheme
Confusion currently reigns over what can be recycled through the DRS. More than a third of respondents incorrectly assumed drinks cartons were already included, with the same number saying HDPE plastic containers were also part of the scheme: the forthcoming system is to include neither of these packaging types.
Encouragingly however, more than two-thirds of those surveyed said they would use the new recycling system once introduced.
Meanwhile, German supermarket chain Aldi (Essen; www.aldi.com) has kicked off trials of its first DRS in Scotland, eight months before the Scottish government is set to roll out its programme in July 2022.
Aldi customers can return bottles and cans to its Bathgate store in exchange for a voucher to be redeemed against their shopping. For each item deposited, customers are to receive a 10-pence voucher and can collect up to a maximum of GBP 5 (EUR 4).
16.12.2021 Plasteurope.com [249186-0]
Published on 16.12.2021