But sources in the bottling industry told this paper this was not the right way to go about it.

The sector accepts the polluter pays principle. The eco-contribution is simply revenue collected by the government to help which its waste management expenditure. But the government is now saying that those companies who introduce a recycling system will be exempt from the contribution. Presumably the government will save money by not having to dispose of such waste if the bottlers set up such a system

It was for this reason that the bottlers who spoke to this paper suggested a public-private partnership with government, where the consumer pays a little bit more and the government plays its part in a joint venture collection system managed preferably by the private sector.

The bottlers say all they have business plans for the next years they must adhere to, they all have feasibility studies as regards their investment, and they all have their own sales targets. Any government-induced increase will undoubtably affect all these well-laid plans.

The bottlers feel the best way forward is for the Commission to study such a proposal where all interested parties can voice their views. As yet no announcement of the setting up of the Commission has been made.

If it has an independent chairman and includes all partners, it would be the adequate place to discuss how all sides can come to an agreement on this issue.