A Foray Into Returnable Bottles – Aldi Süd Starts Test Phase

Aldi Süd is testing the sale of mineral water and beer in returnable bottles at the regional subsidiaries in Bingen and Eschweiler. In each case, the favourite varieties of the respective region are offered.

Canned beer and beer in plastic bottles as well as water in disposable PET, which in the case of the 1-liter bottle already consists of 80 percent recycled PET according to Aldi Süd, will continue to be available in the pilot locations. Customers can thus decide whether they want to buy returnable or one-way bottles.

An article in the LebensmittelZeitung dated February 14^th mentions a new draft law of the Ministry of the Environment which provides for an increase of the reusable quota to 70 percent within the next few years as a possible reason for the initiative. As there is a threat of possible (as yet undetermined) sanctions in the event of non-compliance, discounters must already start thinking about how to integrate returnable bottles into their product range. However, the logistics will not be changed during the test phase. The reusable bottles can be returned at the checkout area and in the stores’ warehouses. The deposit amount is paid at the cash desk.

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