Glass bottles: in Toulouse, a project to encourage the return of the deposit
With 35,000 glass bottles supplied in 2021, and already in six months more trouble this year, the Toulouse cooperative Consign’up proves that there is a real enthusiasm for deposits. “We should reach 100,000 bottles in 2022. They are now grouped together at the Grand Marché Min in Toulouse, where we are based, before being washed by a partner in Drôme”, explains Caroline Pilore, general manager of Consign’ at the top. A solution that served as a test, but which is not satisfactory, both from an economic and an environmental point of view.
Also, to further develop this circuit while limiting the carbon footprint, the cooperative wishes to acquire an industrial washing tool that it will install near the Pink City in early 2023 if all goes well. “We have already spotted a building on the outskirts of the metropolis”, assures the director. An investment revealed at 400,000 euros, which will be partly financed with equity, since the cooperative wishes to collect 50,000 euros.
Brewers, winegrowers but not only…
“Consign’up already brings together around fifty committed members, and everyone can enter the capital from 100 euros”, indicates Caroline Pilore. To complete the sum, a round table was opened with the Occitanie Region, the Ademe as well as banks and solidarity finance players.
Originally created as an association in 2019, Consign’up has convinced around twenty producers (brewers, winegrowers, etc.) to adopt bottles suitable for reuse. “We are a facilitator. We offer technical solutions, on labeling for example, and organizational solutions to encourage the deposit”, specifies the general manager.
New partnerships are underway in Tarbes (Hautes-Pyrénées) as well as in Lot, Gers and Aude. A necessary development since profitability is granted when the center can put 1.5 million bottles back on the circuit per year, for three years.