"The extent of support for a 'new' system was confirmed by a survey conducted by the Nature Conservation Council of NSW after being told by Coke that the company did not intend to introduce returnable refillable bottles, nor a refundable deposit on their range of beverage containers, and did not need to ask consumers what they want" says Mr Peter Hopper, Project Officer for the Council.
The survey found that 90% of respondents thought Coke should use returnable refillable bottles, and a similar number would return empties for a 20c refund.
"The survey also indicated that the environmental implications of purchasing decisions, especially with respect to packaging, is a major consideration for many consumers" says Mr Hopper. "Only 5% of existing Coke consumers would not buy Coke in returnable refillable containers. However, more than 50% of non-Coke-consumers would buy Coke if it were available in the environmentally preferred package."
"In essence, Coke is missing out on many potential customers by not providing their product in returnable refillable containers" says Mr Hopper.
Sixty two percent of those surveyed were Coke consumers.
"If Coke remains inflexible and fails to recognise the environmental concerns of its customers, the ALP Government in NSW has indicated it will introduce legislation requiring refundable deposits on all Coke and other beverage containers within three years" concluded Mr Hopper.
The Survey
The survey of 135 people at Manly Beach and on Coke's head office 'doorstep' at Circular Quay, asked four questions requiring a simple 'yes' or 'no' answer:
1. Are you a Coca-Cola drinker?
2. Do you think Coca-Cola should make their drinks available in returnable refillable bottles?
3. Would you buy Coca-Cola in returnable refillable bottles?
4. If a deposit-refund system was introduced, would you return your empty Coca-Cola container for a 20c refund?