Bevco Launches Bottle Return Scheme to Promote Recycling

Rapid Summary:

• Kerala State Beverages Corporation Limited (Bevco) will start a scheme allowing consumers to return used liquor bottles at outlets.
• A deposit of ₹20 will be collected on each QR-coded liquor bottle, refundable upon returning the bottle.
• The State sells approximately 70 crore liquor bottles annually, of which 80% are plastic, primarily from lower-priced brands. Many used bottles end up in public spaces as waste.
• Phase one will involve accepting only plastic bottles for return; premium liquor priced above ₹800 will be sold exclusively in glass bottles eventually.
• pilot program launches in Thiruvananthapuram and Kannur in September, with Clean Kerala Company overseeing collection efforts; statewide implementation planned by January next year.
• Bevco is also set to introduce super premium outlets across districts, with the first store opening in thrissur (4,000 square feet) this August.

Indian Opinion Analysis:
The proposed bottle-return scheme may help address two critical issues: waste management and environmental sustainability. With an estimated annual sale of 70 crore liquor bottles in Kerala-80% being plastic-the initiative coudl significantly reduce pollution caused by discarded containers littering public spaces. Introducing refundable deposits attaches monetary value to what would or else become waste materials-an effective way to incentivize recycling behaviors among consumers.

Moreover, transitioning premium brands into glass packaging reflects a strategy not only aligned with eco-friendly goals but also an effort toward standardizing high-value products possibly targeting new consumer profiles or enhancing brand image standards.

Scaled statewide extension within months indicates confidence and urgency; however practical execution relies heavily upon proper logistics via stakeholders like the Clean Kerala Company alongside consistent consumer participation acceptance monitored closely early stages rollout especially pilot geographical zones performance metrics visibility traction growing momentum advocacy overall }),

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