Kaufland has begun selling 3.001‑liter beverage bottles that slip through Poland’s new deposit scheme, prompting deputy minister Jan Szyszko to denounce the retailer as “pure anti‑Polish treachery.”
Deposit System Changes in Poland
From 1 October a nationwide deposit system for beverage containers was introduced, guaranteeing refunds for returning aluminum cans or plastic bottles bearing a special label.
Kaufland’s Loophole
Kaufland began selling a 3.001‑liter drink bottle—just 1 mL larger than the maximum size covered by the new system—thereby avoiding the deposit requirement.
Deputy Minister’s Criticism
Deputy Minister of Finance and Regional Policy Jan Szyszko slammed the move, calling it “pure anti‑Polish anti‑humanity” and accusing the German retailer of exploiting the system to the detriment of locals and green‑technology firms.
Future Availability of Non‑Deposit Bottles
The climate ministry announced a transition period until the end of the year, after which all beverages sold will need to be in deposit‑eligible containers, ending the availability of 3.001‑liter bottles from 1 January 2026.
