Mattoni maker considering bottle deposits but ministry unconvinced

A major Czech drinks maker is considering introducing deposits for plastic bottles, Czech Television reported. Karlovarské minerální vody, which sells the mineral water Mattoni, produced a study with the Institute of Circular Economics suggesting that a full third of plastic bottles in the Czech Republic are not recycled.

The drinks manufacturer said in January that it was considering bringing in deposits for PET bottles. It has commissioned an economic analysis of such a move that should be published in the autumn.

However, the Ministry of the Environment is on the fence about the idea. A spokesperson said it welcomed moves to limit the dumping of wasted but was also concerned that bottle deposits could impact the current system.