Deposit and return labels

This area is not well researched. Most labels are national. Below are a few examples. [Reverse vending machines for recycling bottles and cans?]

Ratnichkina P, Lee SH, Haines S. (2021) ‘Communicating returnable packaging via ease of use labeling’. The International Review of Retail, Distribution and Consumer Research. 31(4), 481-497. [DOI].

Aim of visuals: Returnable packaging refers to packaging that is brought-back to a retailer by the consumer to be reused or refilled. Glass milk bottles.
People: Study 1: 464 people in four groups. Study 2: 111 students. Onsite at a behavioural lab
Method: Two studies.
Effect of visuals: Ease of use results in the highest intention to return the bottle and was most effective in influencing people’s intent to return the bottle.
Suggestions for design: Ease of use messages may be more effective when encouraging consumers to return.
Suggestions for policy:
Comment: Focus on milk bottle - not generalisable?

Schneider H. (2019) ‘Deposit systems for single-use and refillable beverage packaging’. Presentation for the Deposit Summit, Istanbul. [PDF of presentation]. (Germany)

Recycling Pfand Österreich (2023) ‘Das Einwegpfand kommt 2025’. Presentation. [PDF of presentation]. (Austria)

Statiegeld Nederland (2024) ‘Meest gestelde vragen door producenten/ importeurs’. Presentation. [PDF of questions]. (Netherlands) - Difference between cans and bottles.

Belgium: Four different symbols.

France: Rebooteille is the glass packaging reuse sector in the Rhône, Loire and Ain. Two different symbols applied as stickers to bottles.

Italy: La campaña de los Municipios Virtuosos.