French supermarkets to begin ‘automatic refunds’: how will this work?

‘Automatic refunds’ are set to make a comeback in some supermarkets in France by 2025, in a new trial across four regions in the north and north-west. Here is how they will work.

In reality, the refunds are not ‘automatic’ in the sense that they happen without customers having to do anything. They are in fact linked to consumers bringing back reusable containers to supermarkets, and receiving a partial refund on the cost of the item as a result.

For example, by returning reusable bottles, consumers could reclaim up to €7.20, reducing their shopping costs overall.

An old idea, brought back

The idea of a refund in exchange for returned packaging is not new; it used to be relatively common, especially for glass bottles of products such as milk, wine, juice, or beer.

Typically, consumers can take the reusable bottle or package back to the original point of sale (the supermarket or shop), and receive money back in return. Of course, this must be done with a container that is part of the scheme; it will not apply to all items. 

Shoppers also need their receipt to prove that they bought the item from the shop in question.

The practice is intended not only to help shoppers save money, but also reduce excess packaging waste. The amount refundable will depend on the item and the store, but in one example, returning a pack of 24 glass beer bottles could see customers receiving a refund of €4.80 to €7.20.

The system is very common in Germany, where the recycling rate for bottles and cans is as high as 98%, according to the European Consumer Centre. In France, the rate is 60%.

More than 1,000 supermarkets taking part

The system - pioneered by packaging recycling scheme Citeo - is set to restart in some supermarkets from next year (2025), with many - but not all - taking part in an initial trial across Brittany, Normandy, Pays de la Loire, and Hauts-de-France.

“More than 1,000 hypermarkets, supermarkets and organic shops” are set to be included in the trial, reports France Info. 

For now, no supermarket has confirmed its participation, but Carrefour, Système U and Les Mousquetaires (Intermarché) are all shareholders in Citeo, so they are expected to be involved, reports le Journal du Net.

Citeo's aim is to reduce the amount of disposable, wasted food packaging. It is initially targeting mass-market products and major brands, including items such as soup, peas, beer, and fruit juice.

These products will be packaged in returnable glass bottles / containers for reuse. It remains to be seen what will happen if the trial is considered successful, and / or if it will then be extended across France.