VicReturn has been appointed by the Victorian government as Scheme Co-ordinator for the new Victorian container deposit scheme, CDS Vic.
VicReturn is a not-for-profit entity with members comprising Lion, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) and Asahi Beverages.
“As some of Australia’s leading beverage companies, we are proud to be involved in container deposit schemes that help create a circular economy for our containers and importantly reduce litter,” says VicReturn.
“Together, we congratulate the Victorian government and the Minister for the Environment Ingrid Stitt MP for their work in bringing a container deposit scheme to Victoria. We look forward to making the Scheme a real success.”
As Scheme Co-ordinator, VicReturn will be responsible for managing the marketing of CDS Vic, running its financial operations and ensuring the smooth operation of the Scheme.
The organisation will work closely with the Victorian government and the three network operators to deliver a “world-class” container deposit scheme for Victorians.
“We look forward to promoting CDS Vic and helping Victorians understand how they can participate, help keep bottles and cans out of the environment, and start earning refunds,” says VicReturn.
Lion
Lion Group CEO Sam Fischer says his company is proud of its longstanding involvement in Australian container deposit schemes, which stretches back more than 40 years.
“As the brewer behind some of Australia’s most loved beverage brands including Victorian-born Furphy, XXXX, Stone & Wood and James Squire we are thrilled to play a role in delivering this important scheme for the community here in Victoria,” he says.
“We have ambitious packaging and circular economy targets and look forward to the volume of our beverage containers returned and recycled increasing significantly as the Victorian scheme comes online.”
CCEP
CCEP is determined to be a catalyst in Australia’s circular economy, including in Victoria, according to Vice President and General Manager – Australia, Pacific & Indonesia Peter West.
“The launch of CDS Vic represents a step-change for Victoria’s circular economy,” he says.
“Through our involvement in VicReturn, coupled with our investment in Circular Plastics Australia’s PET recycling plant in Altona with Pact Group, Cleanaway and Asahi Beverages, we are proud to help create a closed loop in Victoria where bottles and cans can be used, collected, recycled and reborn.
“Together with our partners, we look forward to working with the Victorian government to give people across the state the opportunity to take part in and benefit from Australia’s newest container deposit scheme.”
Asahi Beverages
Asahi Beverages is incredibly proud to be involved in delivering a container deposit scheme for Victorians, says Group CEO Robert Iervasi.
“As the maker of some of Victoria’s most beloved beverages such as Victoria Bitter, Carlton Draught, Schweppes, Pepsi Max, Solo and Cool Ridge water, we’re pleased that more of our beverage containers will now be recycled and play a part in the circular economy,” he says.
“We’re in the process of helping build a PET recycling facility in Altona, with our joint venture partners, Pact, Cleanaway and CCEP.
“CDS Vic will play an important part in providing PET bottles for the Altona recycling facility, leading to better environmental outcomes for Victoria.”