I remember reading several years ago that Italy was going to mandate a
nationwide system of standardized, refillable bottles. While this would
undercut the collectables market (no more Mrs. Buttersworth bottles....),
it seems to me that it would have some merit by not only cutting waste,
but also (eventually, once the infrastructure was in place), cutting
companies' operating costs. Products would then compete on the basis of
the contents, not the bottle.
What troubles me about the concept is that, as with any mandated system,
it would discourage packaging innovation that might ultimately result in a
better solution.
Any comments?
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W. DAVID STEPHENSON STEPHENSON STRATEGIES
D.Stephenson@ixl.net (508) 359-0155 fax: 359-6310
335 Main Street, Medfield, MA, 02052-2045 (Charles River Bioregion)
helping companies find profitable inspiration in nature
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