German deposit on drinks cans may boost aluminium
Date: 22-Mar-02
Country: GERMANY
The German cabinet yesterday approved plans for a compulsory deposit on cans of beer, water and soft drinks sold in shops from January 1, 2003.
The move responds to public concern about litter and the beverage industry's failure to reach its target of selling 72 percent of drinks in reusable containers.
The plan still faces legal challenges by retail chains and large beer brewers but it is supported by small and midsize brewers and drinks companies which already have a high level of reusable containers.
The plan must also survive the outcome of the German general election in September 2002.
Stefan Glimm, chief executive of German aluminium industry association GDA, told Reuters: "If a deposit should be introduced it is possible use of cans will be reduced but I do not believe the overall volume of aluminium used in can production will fall."
About 10 to 15 percent of German canned drinks are sold in tins comprising an aluminium body, base and lid, he said.
The rest largely have a steel body and base with an aluminium lid.
"A deposit could even be a chance to raise the proportion of aluminium used in can production as aluminium has very good properties making it suitable for recycling and multipule use," he said.
"Countries which already have a compulsory deposit on cans such as Sweden have a much higher proportion made from aluminium because of its good recycling properties, and this could happen in Germany too."