Coca-Cola has responded to the recent German deposit law with the adoption of a new 0.5L refill PET bottle by Amcor PET Packaging.

The refill bottle provides an alternative packaging format to glass bottles and cans and marks part of a resurgence in refillable packaging following the introduction of the deposit law that affects one-way beverages packaging.

Amcor PET Packaging says the bottle, produced at its Mendig plant in Germany, retains the consumer benefits of PET, while allowing approximately 20 trips.

&#8220While the material has a good environmental profile, particularly in terms of recyclability, our third PET refill size further increases its relevance in the current market climate”

Sven Erier, packaging director, Coca-Cola Deutschland

The bottle is produced in heavy-PET to enable multi-trip usage. But weighing in at 51g, it remains significantly lighter than glass.

“PET is seen by consumers as a modern, distinctive and convenient packaging choice,” says Sven Erier, packaging director, Coca-Cola Deutschland. “While the material has a good environmental profile, particularly in terms of recyclability, our third PET refill size further increases its relevance in the current market climate.”

The PET refill bottle was launched in April, initially in cooler outlets. Towards the end of 2003 it will be available in easy-to-carry plastics crates of 12 bottles in grocery stores. Over the next two years a pool of over 100M PET bottles will be built up.