The system for the collection of packaging handled by the EPP functions as follows:
When selling to resellers (e.g. retailers) the soft drinks, beer, cider, perry, low-ethanol alcoholic beverages, juice, juice concentrates and nectar which is packed in the packaging handled by the EPP, packaging companies which have joined the EPP system also add to the selling price of each product sold separately a deposit for each packaging unit. Thus the higher price asked from a reseller compensates a deposit which the packaging company must pay for each package to the EPP. Packaging companies submit to the EPP sales reports on the basis of which the EPP provides packaging companies with invoices for deposits and the administration fee of the EPP.
Retailers recover the amount of the deposit from customers (or end users) to whom they sell the products. When a customer returns the package (either to a retailer or the redemption centre belonging in the EPP system where it is accepted either manually or by a machine) he/she has the right to recover the full amount of deposit paid for the package.
Packages accepted manually will be counted. Machines also count returned packages. Returned packaging will be collected by machines as well as by hand into standard bags, which are provided by the EPP. In addition to collecting bags the EPP provides redemption centres with special folders, closures and stickers with information concerning the redemption centre. After the bag has been filled with returned packaging it will be closed with gussets on which either a retailer or operator of the redemption centre will fix the sticker with information. The second sticker will stay at store.
The EPP will reimburse the deposit paid to customers by retailers and operators of redemption centres according to the amount of packaging returned by them to the EPP (the EPP reimburses the deposit only for those packages which are handled by the EPP). Transport service providers who have concluded the relevant contract with the EPP transport returned packages from collecting places to the EPP. The EPP covers the costs of transport.
In order to determine the amount of the deposit (for the deposit paid to customers) and the handling fee (for collecting packaging; the handling fee is prefixed and it depends on the material and manner of accepting the package) to be paid to retailers and operators of redemption centres the EPP recounts by a petimeter (an automatic counter pf plastic, metal and glass bottles and cans) the collected packaging which has been previously counted manually. During the counting a check is carried out to find out whether the counted packages belong in the EPP system. Before the operator casts the content of a collecting bag in the drum of a petimeter he will scan the information sticker on the bag in order to identify the consigner of the returned packages. A petimeter counts the packages and each package counted will be transferred automatically to the account of the consigner. A petimeter uses the EAN code for counting.
The reimbursement of the deposit and the handling fee paid to retailers and operators of redemption centres is based on the following:
In case of packages collected manually:
- Delivery note / sticker on the bag (the content and data according to the agreement with a redemption centre and transport service provider)
- The amount of packages belonging in the EPP system (which are accepted during the period determined in the contract and for which the deposit has been paid)
- A collecting bag which meets the requirements established by the EPP and which bears a sticker on the closure with the number of the redemption centre (unique ID)
In case of packages collected by a reverse vending machine (RVM):
- Database of the RVM
- The amount of packages belonging in the EPP system (which are accepted during the period determined in the contract and for which the deposit has been paid)
After that packaging of material will be pressed together into packets in order to avoid the possibility of receiving the deposit twice and the material will be sold to a waste handler for recovery. Due to the fact that returned packages belong in the EPP the income received from the sales of the material remains with the EPP which will use it for the development of the system and to finance the activities of the organisation.
The system of collecting and reuse of refillable packaging is similar to the recovery system of non-refillable packaging, except the movement of the deposit and the transport of packages.
The EPP organises the communication and logistics but, as for the transport, the most cost-effective transport service ascertained by underbidding will be used in order to increase effectiveness. Returned packages move from the customers via retailers straight to the packaging companies without passing through the EPP system. As for clearing deposit accounts a separate contract will be concluded with each packaging company using the most rational solution, including the following possibilities: clearing accounts directly between a packaging company and a retailer or through the EPP, using out-clearing as much as possible.
The transport of refillable packaging is, as before, carried out with cases, and by vehicles, of packaging companies.
« back |
