Poland's plastic‑reduction push faces voucher losses and a free reusable‑bottle drive

Poland’s new deposit‑refund system, introduced several months ago, lets consumers return plastic bottles and cans for vouchers that can be used at checkout or exchanged for cash. Critics say many retailers issue vouchers that expire after just 30 days, causing customers to lose the refund amount. The law does not set a validity period, but the Ministry of Climate and Environment has interpreted the rule to require at least a month’s validity. Consumer groups and experts warn that this practice undermines the system’s purpose.

In parallel, the city of Kraków is running a July campaign offering free reusable bottles to diners who mention the hashtag “#LipiecBezPlastiku” in participating cafés and restaurants. The initiative, part of the long‑running “Drink tap water in Kraków” programme, distributes 1,000 sugar‑cane‑based, BPA‑free bottles between 21–24 July to encourage tap‑water use and cut single‑use plastic consumption.