Read more
POHiD wants to postpone the deposit system. Markets face penalties and chaos
According to the draft act of 23 July 2024, the deposit system is also to cover reusable glass bottles with a capacity of up to 1.5 litres. The draft is currently in the Legal Committee of the Council of Ministers, and the deposit system for producers of beverages in such bottles has been postponed by a year.
The introduction of a deposit system will not increase selective collection rates
The regulatory impact assessment of the latest draft law on the deposit system emphasizes that 133 million people currently use this system in Europe. It has been implemented in 12 countries, and work is underway in another 15. It is worth noting that most European systems cover single-use plastic packaging and metal cans, and in 8 countries also single-use glass bottles.
– The current system of distribution and return of reusable glass packaging allows for the achievement of a selective collection level of 95-98%. These are results that, according to the draft act on the deposit system, would not be achieved until 2030. The introduction of the deposit system will not increase these indicators, and according to experts, it may only lead to an increase in production costs, which will ultimately increase the financial burden on consumers – says Dariusz Lizak, president of the National Chamber of Commerce "Bottling Industry".
Introduction of the system is a threat to companies producing beverages in returnable packaging
In such cases, the deposit system, instead of improving efficiency, may bring additional difficulties by introducing seemingly pro-ecological activities that will not bring real benefits to the environment. Beverage sector companies, especially small and medium-sized companies, will be burdened with high operating costs related to the need to adapt to new regulations, which may lead to their difficult financial situation and, in extreme cases, to the suspension of operations.
The National Chamber of Commerce "Bottling Industry" appeals for a more thoughtful approach to implementing the deposit system. In particular, attention should be paid to current solutions that already operate efficiently and are an example of effective and sustainable waste management that meets the assumptions of the circular economy (CE). Introducing new regulations that do not bring real benefits should be seriously considered.