The circle is closing: the proof is already in stores that the returned Szentkirályi bottles will become bottles again

By: Trademagazin Date: 2025. 01. 21. 11:34

The collection and recycling of recyclable materials introduces a new approach to the economy as a whole, in which used PET bottles can be seen as valuable secondary raw materials, not as waste. The collection of beverage packaging has been the mainstay of the circular economy so far, but with the introduction of the mandatory deposit system, this obstacle has also been removed.

The first period of the Hungarian deposit system has already proven its worth: the majority of customers are happy to take advantage of the return option, and in the case of Szentkirályi products, the return rate reached 90 percent by the end of the year.

Szentkirályi Hungary has made significant investments and technological developments in recent years, which have enabled it to bottle its products in recycled material efficiently and without disruptions – fulfilling its legal obligation. It is no exaggeration to say that closing the loop represents a revolutionary change in the company’s life, the implementation of which required serious preparations, thorough planning, and significant investment.

There is an excess demand for recycled PET

There is an excess demand for recycled PET of the right quality used for the production of food packaging in the current market conditions, as fierce competition has developed internationally for this special type of material among manufacturers striving to comply with legal requirements. All this keeps its price high, but the trend may reverse if recycling capacities expand, and thus both components necessary for the implementation of the loop – collection and production of recycled material – reach an adequate volume.

“The basis for the widest possible implementation of the circular economy is effective collection, which is why we continue to encourage customers to return their bottles and get closer to a 100 percent return rate as soon as possible. After all, the proof that the returned bottle is truly recycled is already in the stores,” said Dániel Buzási, CEO of Szentkirályi Hungary.