AG Barr, the maker of Irn-Bru, is to end glass bottle returns after 110 years, citing a decline in the number of bottles brought back for a 30p deposit. The company is investing £5m in new facilities at its plant in Cumbernauld, North Lanarkshire, including high-speed filling equipment for its glass bottle range.
While 90% of Barr's bottles were returned in the early 1990s, the figure has now fallen to about half. Jonathan Kemp, commercial director, said improved kerbside recycling meant the process of handling returned bottles had become uneconomic. He said the 750ml bottle would continue to be offered, but would no longer be returnable.
Irn-Bru was created in 1901, originally as Iron Brew, and was renamed in 1946 amid concerns over new food labelling regulations. The bottle returns scheme was introduced in 1905 and will continue to accept bottles until 31 December this year.
The investment will replace the current glass line, which is almost 20 years old, with faster, more efficient filling capability. The company said the energy-hungry washing equipment used for returnable bottles would be decommissioned.
From the beginning of October, information about the change will be carried on the bottle label, and AG Barr will work with retailers to display materials in their premises. Kemp said the investment would ensure that loyal glass bottle fans could continue to enjoy their favourite soft drinks for many years to come.
