Maximizing Returns: Ensuring Proper Pricing for New Glass Bottles

Deposit Disparity: Austria’s Higher Bottle Deposits Fuel “Pfandtourismus”

Since February 1,2025,Austria’s boosted reusable glass deposit system has created ripple effects felt most acutely in border regions. The deposit increased from 9 cents to 20 cents per bottle, a stark contrast to Germany’s 8 cents. this discrepancy has led to what some call “Pfandtourismus”—deposit tourism—where individuals cross borders to capitalize on the higher deposit values.

The “Pfandtourismus” Phenomenon

The meaningful difference in deposit amounts has created an unusual incentive. Germans living near the Austrian border are traveling to Austria to return bottles and receive the higher deposit. Conversely, Austrians find it attractive to purchase beverages in Bavaria, where they pay less upfront. This cross-border activity impacts beverage manufacturers and deposit systems in both countries.

Industry Perspective: Fritz-kola’s Stance

Mirco wolf Wiegert, founder and managing director of Fritz-Kola, has been a vocal advocate for increasing deposit amounts. Wiegert argues that a uniform deposit set across regions is crucial. “Path tourism once again shows how relevant a regions of an overarching shoulder end of all manufacturers for a uniform deposit set. More deposits increases the response rate and shortens the return intervals,” he states, highlighting the environmental and economic benefits of a higher, standardized deposit.

Fritz-Kola exclusively uses reusable deposit bottles, which can be refilled up to 50 times. The company emphasizes the importance of a functional return system. Wiegert notes, “The pledge should not be less than the purchase price for a new glass bottle. The damage to deposit tourism will actually point out,” calling for a reevaluation of Germany’s deposit policy to align with Austria’s.

Wiegert also points out the economic advantages of higher deposits: “with a deposit of less than 20 cents, the production of new glass is more cost -intensive than the deposit. Every carelessly disposed reusable glass bottle is one too much and costs needless resources.”

The Beer Industry’s Hesitation

While some advocate for higher deposits, the German beer industry remains hesitant. With approximately 4 billion bottles in circulation, an increase would be a substantial financial undertaking.According to the brewery association, this could place undue pressure on breweries already facing economic challenges.

Call to Action

The disparity in bottle deposit systems between Austria and Germany highlights the need for a unified approach to encourage recycling and reduce environmental impact. A standardized, higher deposit could curtail “Pfandtourismus” and incentivize responsible bottle returns. Consider advocating for policy changes that promote a sustainable and economically sound deposit system. For more facts on how you can support these initiatives, visit your local environmental advocacy website.

What are the potential environmental benefits of increasing bottle deposit amounts?

Deposit Disparity: Austria’s Higher Bottle Deposits Fuel “Pfandtourismus”

The “Pfandtourismus” Phenomenon

In february 2025,Austria’s deposit system underwent a important change—raising the reusable glass bottle deposit from 9 cents to 20 cents. This move, while environmentally conscious, has created an unintended outcome: “Pfandtourismus,” deposit tourism. Individuals are crossing borders to capitalize on higher deposit values, leading to unusual cross-border activities.Let’s delve into this phenomenon adn explore the views of industry professionals.

Oliver Krauss,a German retiree living near the Austrian border: “Since Austria raised their deposit,I’ve been crossing the border onc a week to return my bottles. It’s a small extra effort for a nice little bonus.”

industry Perspectives: fritz-Kola’s Stance

Mirco Wolf Wiegert, founder and managing director of Fritz-Kola, has been an outspoken advocate for increasing deposits. We caught up with him to discuss his thoughts on the situation:

Mirco Wolf Wiegert, Fritz-Kola

Archyde: Mirco, what’s your take on the “Pfandtourismus” phenomenon?

Mirco Wolf Wiegert: It’s a clear sign that a uniform deposit system across regions is crucial. The actions of consumers echo the importance of an overarching, standardized deposit system.

Archyde: You’ve been an advocate for increasing deposits. Why?

Mirco Wolf Wiegert: A higher deposit increases the return rate and shortens return intervals. This benefits both the habitat and beverage manufacturers—every bottle returned is one less produced. With a deposit of less than 20 cents, the production of new glass is more cost-intensive than the deposit itself. Every carelessly disposed reusable glass bottle is a resource wasted.

Archyde: What would you like to see happen in germany to align with Austria’s policy?

Mirco Wolf Wiegert: Germany should reevaluate its deposit policy. The deposit should not be less than the purchase price for a new glass bottle. A revision could actually mitigate the negative effects of “Pfandtourismus” and help ensure a functional return system.

the Beer Industry’s Viewpoint

the German beer industry, however, remains cautious. We spoke with the German Brewery Association for their viewpoint:

Dr.Reinhard Skala, German Brewery Association

Archyde: Dr. Skala, the beer industry is hesitant about increasing deposits. Why is that?

Dr. Reinhard Skala: With approximately 4 billion bottles in circulation, an increase in deposit would be a significant financial undertaking. Breweries are already facing economic challenges, and this could place undue pressure on them.

Call to Action

The disparity in bottle deposit systems between Austria and Germany highlights the need for a unified approach. Consider advocating for policy changes that promote a sustainable and economically sound deposit system.