A template for tomorrow: Beverage boss hails industry-led CDS in the West

Following months of preparation and a rigorous tender process, the WA Government has today announced the successful appointment of a consortium of beverage industry leaders as the coordinator of the Container Deposit Scheme (CDS) in Western Australia.

‘We congratulate the WA Government for sending a clear signal about its confidence in working with the beverage industry on the CDS to ensure the implementation and coordination of this important program are successful and sustainable for decades to come,’ said Mr Geoff Parker, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Beverages Council.

‘Today’s announcement builds upon the productive and efficient partnerships between the beverage industry and governments across Australia,’ added Mr Parker.

The beverage industry currently manages CDS in New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, Queensland, South Australia and the Northern Territory.

‘As in other states and territories, it is only the beverage industry that can deliver low-cost and efficient Schemes for both manufacturers and consumers, in what are truly producer responsibility schemes,’ said Mr Parker.

The Australian Beverages Council has recommended to the WA Government that the Scheme should offer community groups, not for profit organisations, sporting clubs, and schools the opportunity to raise funds for their own projects, while individuals should be able to help by donating their refunds to these organisations,’ added Mr Parker.

The CDS in Western Australia is expected to officially launch in early 2020 with refund points across the State.

Further information about the WA CDS can be found here.

-oOo-

Australian Beverages Council

The Australian Beverages Council is the peak body representing the collective interests of the non-alcoholic beverages industry. We strive to advance the industry as a whole, as well as successfully represent the range of beverages produced by our members. These include carbonated regular and diet soft drinks, energy drinks, sports and isotonic drinks, bottled and packaged waters, fruit juice and fruit drinks, cordials, iced teas, ready-to-drink coffees, flavoured milk and flavoured plant milk.

The unified voice of the Australian Beverages Council offers our members a presence beyond individual representation in order to promote fairness in the standards, regulations, and policies concerning non-alcoholic beverages.

The Australian Beverages Council introduced a dedicated juice division, Juice Australia (formerly Fruit Juice Australia), in 2009 and a dedicated water division, the Australasian Bottled Water Institute (ABWI), in 2011. Through these, our organisation, and its relevance and impact continue to grow.

For further information:

Shae Courtney
Australian Beverages Council
T: 02 8313 7760
M: 0420 736 136
E: Shae@ausbev.org