Finns recycle glass bottles and cans with enthusiasm. At the turn of the year recyclable plastic bottles joined the family of packaging that has a deposit.

The percentage of recyclable or refillable beverage bottles and cans returned in Finland is one of the highest in the world: 98 per cent for glass and plastic bottles and almost 90 per cent for cans.

“The enthusiasm comes mainly from the refund you get when you return the bottles or cans,” says Pasi Nurminen, the managing director of Suomen Palautuspakkaus Oy (PALPA).

PALPA administers the recycling of beverage packaging with a deposit and its promotion over the whole country. Beverage packaging with a deposit includes almost all soft-drink, beer and cider bottles and cans.

Nurminen says bringing the recyclable plastic bottles into the family of beverage packaging with a deposit is a big change in the beverage industry and a challenge for recycling.

“We believe that Finns will learn right from the start to return the new bottles that have a deposit back for recycling. In this way we will be more sparing on the natural surroundings,” Nurminen says.

>> www.palpa.fi

In Finland beverage bottles and cans have a long life. The recycling percentage is one of the best in the world.