Press Release 9th January 2024

PENNY focuses on sustainability: returnable bottle machines and reusable bottles move in at the brand discounter

Everyone is pulling in the same direction: at the beginning of 2025, a deposit on single-use plastic bottles and beverage cans will be introduced. A small deposit will then be charged with the purchase of a disposable bottle or can. Customers will get this "stake" back when the container is returned. This ensures that the often carelessly discarded packaging does not end up in the environment and that the collected empties can be recycled in the best possible way.

A man standing beside a bottle return machine, holding a glass bottle. He is wearing a light grey blazer and smiling. In front of him is a shopping cart filled with empty bottles. The wall sign above reads "Leergut Rückgabe."

Kai Pataky returning the empties / Copyright: PENNY / Robert Harson, Reproduction for PR purposes free of charge

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At a glance

Expanded reusable range for customers
Empty bottle return machines already in 150 stores
By 2024, a further 150 locations will be equipped with reverse vending machines
PENNY is actively committed to a sustainable future

Empties return machines were introduced at PENNY in July 2023 and 150 stores had already been equipped with them by the end of 2023. Another 150 stores will follow in the first half of 2024. To make returns easier, a deposit logo will be displayed in the PENNY store finder on the penny.at website from January 2024 for those stores that are equipped with such machines.

The reusable range has also been adapted and expanded to meet the needs of customers. In addition to beer, it now also includes non-alcoholic beverages in returnable deposit bottles, including mineral water, popular juices, milk and soft drinks. This significant expansion of the range marks a milestone for PENNY and underlines the company's commitment to sustainability and environmental protection.

"Sustainability is not just a trendy term, it's a commitment. Promoting reusable bottles and deposit systems is not only essential for the environment, but also a sign of corporate responsibility and sustainability," says Kai Pataky, Managing Director of PENNY Austria.

With the "Raus aus Plastik" initiative, PENNY took a stand against the flood of plastic at the end of 2018. For 80% of PENNY "ECHT BIO!" fruit and vegetable products already do without packaging or use environmentally friendly alternatives. Or how about the reusable lid? This can be used to hygienically reseal a 500 gram yogurt pot. The lid is dishwasher-safe, food-safe and can be reused. It also contributes to achieving REWE Group's common goal: 100 percent more environmentally friendly packaging by 2030.

Since November 2020, fruit and vegetable products can be brought home conveniently and sustainably using a reusable net. Or you can use a compostable eco-bag, as PENNY has already said goodbye to plastic bags in 2019.