The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) has noted that it welcomes the UK government's initiatives to step up recycling, but it is 'unconvinced' about the inclusion of glass bottles in its proposed deposit-return scheme (DRS).
"Glass must be treated differently to plastic – glass cannot be compacted safely and efficiently, unlike plastic, and broken glass is much more likely to cause injury," said WSTA chief executive Miles Beale.
The association feels that, in the case of glass drinks containers, kerbside collection is better for consumers, businesses and the environment.
Beale explained that councils across the UK have efficient doorstep recycling schemes that are a result of years of investment and planning.
Altering this established system will have an impact on both customers and retailers.
The Impact
Beale added, "Including glass in any DRS system would serve only to undermine existing recycling schemes, and would be highly likely to undermine achievements to date.
"Changes to this system, which could instead see consumers themselves burdened with returning glass bottles to point of purchase, are unnecessary. Changes would also pose storage issues for retailers, especially SMEs," he furthered.
Recycling Efforts
Beale feels that the UK's wine and spirit industry has been working hard to reduce its impact on the environment.
It has resorted to measures such as shipping in bulk and using substantially less glass in its bottles.
"The UK already exceeds glass recycling targets – about 70% of glass packaging in the UK is recycled, against a target of only 60%," he said.
© 2019 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Dayeeta Das. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: European Supermarket Magazine.
