New one-way deposit system in Austria: Important information for beverage producers and retailers
- ninaliebig
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Since January 1, 2025, a mandatory deposit system for plastic bottles and beverage cans has been in force in Austria. This system aims to increase recycling rates and reduce environmental pollution. For companies in the beverage industry, this entails new requirements, particularly with regard to the labeling and marking of products.
Packaging types and deposit amounts
The deposit system covers all closed, single-use beverage containers made of plastic or metal with a volume between 0.1 and 3 liters. A deposit of 25 cents is levied per container, which is to be paid when the beverage is purchased and is refunded when the empty container is returned. Exempt from the mandatory deposit are, among other things, beverage cartons (e.g. Tetrapaks), glass bottles, and packaging for dairy products and syrups.
Mandatory labeling and transition period
Products subject to a mandatory deposit must be clearly labeled with the Austrian deposit symbol above the barcode. This labeling enables consumers to distinguish between products subject to a mandatory deposit and those that are not. A transitional period applies to beverage containers produced before April 1, 2025: they may be sold without the deposit logo until December 31, 2025. During this time, both products with and without deposits may be available in stores.
Return options and deposit refunds
Consumers can return empty single-use deposit packaging to all points of sale that sell such products. This includes retail stores, online retailers, vending machines and food delivery services. When they return the packaging, customers receive a refund of the deposit of 25 cents per item of packaging. Smaller outlets without reverse vending machines are obliged to take back the types of packaging they offer in the usual sales and filling quantities.
Objectives of the deposit system and recycling rates
The deposit system for single-use drinks containers was introduced to ensure that drinks packaging does not end up in the natural environment, but is collected by type and recycled in the best possible way. Up to 2.2 billion bottles and cans are expected annually. The goal is to achieve a collection rate of at least 80% by 2025 and at least 90% by 2027.
Labeling requirements
For beverage manufacturers, the introduction of the deposit system means adapting their labeling to ensure that the legally required deposit symbol is displayed. b+b Automations- und Steuerungstechnik GmbH offers customized labeling solutions that can react flexibly to such legal changes. Our systems integrate seamlessly into existing production lines and ensure precise and efficient labeling of your products.
A particular highlight of our portfolio is the label software LP5. This modular software enables flexible design and automation of your labeling processes. With the integrated LP5 Format Manager, label layouts can be stored directly in the printer memory and accessed by external peripheral devices such as PLCs, ERP systems or scales. This enables PC-free printing in production and ensures efficient and error-free labeling.
With the positive response from the population and the increasing return rate, the deposit system for disposable drinks containers is well on the way to making a significant contribution to the circular economy and environmental protection in Austria.
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