Talks underway to solve beverage recycling deadlock, minister says

Discussions are underway to find "alternative solutions" for small-scale beverage importers worried about an upcoming bottle recycling scheme they say will financially cripple them. 

Environment Minister Aaron Farrugia said the government was in talks with various stakeholders to find a solution to the impasse.

Four solutions had been proposed and the government favoured one of them, he said. The minister declined to elaborate on the government's favoured course of action. 

Video: Chris Sant Fournier

Small importers say that a beverage recycling scheme that is due to begin in April will disproportionately affect them, as they will be required to pay a €100 fee for every type of beverage imported, irrespective of how many they sell. 

Importers have said that the fee will spell the end of the local craft drinks sector, which is focused on a large variety of beverages imported in limited quantities. 

They have also spoken with concern about the composition of BCRS Ltd., a private consortium that has been given a licence to operate the scheme. BCRS directors represent Malta's biggest names in the beverage sector, including Farsons, General Soft Drinks, Marsovin, Charles Grech Ltd.