As producers, we believe it is our duty to do what is best for the environment in all aspects. A big part of that includes the recycling and reuse of bottles to reduce waste, which is encouraged by this initiative.
In September 2022 we increased the bottle deposit for all our returnable bottles. We now refund $30 for the return of each bottle and $840 for a full crate.
As a result of increased bottle shortages and delays in shipping and increased freight costs, during the pandemic new glass was much harder to source. Our red-cycling efforts became progressively important in our production cycle to ensure sustained supply of Jamaica’s favourite brews to our consumers. This, coupled with the fact that, it is important that we reduce our environmental footprint, rendered it an urgent imperative for us to provide a greater incentive for closed-loop recycling of bottles, in which bottles come back into the production cycle and are cleaned and refilled with the same product.
With its durability, a glass bottle can be reused up to six times in the production cycle without losing its purity and quality. we must do all we can to improve recycling rates so that fewer bottles end up in landfills, we deliver on our commitment of net zero carbon emissions in production by 2030 and we can supply market demand in a consistent and sustained way.
Returns are accepted at wholesales across the island and at Red Stripe 214 Exchange in Kingston. Red Stripe reserves the right to reject bottles and crates that do not meet its quality standards.
THE REDCYCLING PROCESS HAS BEEN MADE EXTREMELY SIMPLE TO ENCOURAGE PARTICIPATION.
There is no minimum or maximum requirement for returns. In fact, the more the merrier! Our only requirement is that the bottles are clean and undamaged when being returned. Consumers can return bottles to our 214 Exchange at 214 Spanish Town Road or at pop up locations island wide. We also make it easy for restaurants, supermarkets and bars for the return of their bottles when their orders are being delivered. Members of the community can also drop off their empties at community bars and wholesales who will make the returns on their behalf.
IN SEPTEMBER 2022, WE INCREASED THE PAYOUT FOR BOTTLES TO ENCOURAGE INCREASED PARTICIPATION.
The payout moved up to JM$ 30 per bottle, from JM$20 and up to JM$840 for a full crate. Recycling efforts became more crucial as there was a global bottle shortage and new glass became hard to source. This coupled with the aim to reduce its environmental footprint made it important for an increase in the incentive.
