GPI Responds to Study Debunking Arguments Against Bottle Return Programs

Glass Packaging Institute Responds to Study Debunking Arguments Against Bottle Return Programs, Reiterates Calls for Adoption of DRS in States and Municipalities

ARLINGTON, VA — Glass Packaging Institute President Scott DeFife released the following statement addressing a recent report from the Container Recycling Institute (CRI) showing no evidence that deposit return system (DRS) programs — a.k.a. bottle returns — adversely affect beverage sales:

“This study from our friends at CRI and Reloop provides more evidence of what we already knew: the arguments that deposit return programs negatively impact beverage sales over time are without merit,” said DeFife. “There is ample proof that we need more bottle return programs, not fewer. It is in states’ and communities’ clear and vital interest to pass DRS legislation, especially those legislatures that are also considering extended producer responsibility programs for packaging. Curbside pickup will remain a recycling staple, but must remain supported by proven recycling programs that create higher volumes of cleaner streams of recyclable material.

DeFife continued, “DRS reduces packaging waste, is a viable option to create cleaner recycling streams, and provides a greater volume of recyclable material that will be returned across manufacturing supply chains. Whenever possible, towns, cities, and states should continue to augment curbside pickup with strong bottle deposit return systems.”

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About the Glass Packaging Institute

Founded in 1919 as the Glass Container Association of America, the Glass Packaging Institute (GPI) is the trade association representing the North American glass container industry. On behalf of glass container manufacturers, GPI promotes glass as the optimal packaging choice, advances environmental and recycling policies, advocates industry standards, and educates packaging professionals. Follow GPI on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn for updates on all things glass. Learn more at gpi.org.