PLASTIC POLLUTION LOBBY

The report argues that a deposit return system (DRS) is the most cost-effective and environmentally sound method for Austria to achieve the EU's target of collecting 90% of plastic bottles by 2029. It identifies a powerful coalition—led by Altstoff Recycling Austria (ARA) and including major retailers like REWE Group, Spar, Hofer, and Lidl, as well as beverage companies—that is lobbying the Austrian government against a DRS to protect licensing fee revenues and market dominance. The document highlights that 83% of Austrians support a DRS and rebuts industry claims that current collection rates are sufficient or that a DRS would be too expensive.

• A government-commissioned study concluded that a deposit return system (DRS) for all plastic bottles is the most economical solution, projecting a collection rate of 95% compared to an average of 80% for other examined options.
• Implementing a DRS is estimated to be €27 million cheaper than other options that rely on recovering bottles from residual waste, which are projected to cost around €145 million.
• Altstoff Recycling Austria (ARA), the largest extended producer responsibility organisation in Austria handling over 70% of waste, stands to lose approximately €24 million in licensing fees from plastic bottles alone if a DRS is introduced.
• A coalition of retail giants (REWE Group, Spar, Hofer, Lidl) and beverage companies (Brau Union, Spitz, Pfanner) has lobbied the Austrian government against a DRS, leading to the removal of DRS benefits from the January 2020 government programme.
• Public opinion in Austria strongly favors a DRS, with 83% of adults supporting its introduction and 86% believing more action is needed to reduce plastic pollution.
• The report claims that the current Austrian recycling rate for plastic packaging is only 25%, which must more than double to reach the EU target of 55% by 2030.
• Littering in Austria costs public institutions over €120 million annually in personnel and machine costs, with plastic bottles making up 76% of litter along the Salzach in Salzburg city.
• The report argues that reuse systems are significantly more ecological than single-use systems, stating that reuse PET bottles generate only 5% of the waste produced by 20 single-use bottles over their lifetime.

APA

Changing Markets Foundation (2020). PLASTIC POLLUTION LOBBY. https://changingmarkets.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/CM_PLASTIC-POLLUTION-LOBBY_FinalEN.pdf

Chicago

Changing Markets Foundation. PLASTIC POLLUTION LOBBY. 2020. https://changingmarkets.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/CM_PLASTIC-POLLUTION-LOBBY_FinalEN.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Changing Markets Foundation |title=PLASTIC POLLUTION LOBBY |date=May 2020 |url=https://changingmarkets.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/CM_PLASTIC-POLLUTION-LOBBY_FinalEN.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{changingmarketsfoundation2020plastic, author = {{Changing Markets Foundation}}, title = {{PLASTIC POLLUTION LOBBY}}, institution = {Changing Markets Foundation}, year = {2020}, month = may, url = {https://changingmarkets.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/CM_PLASTIC-POLLUTION-LOBBY_FinalEN.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }