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Japan: Asahi Breweries Ltd. said Thursday, September 30 it would cancel a plan to sell beer in plastic bottles later this year following objections from environmental groups.

Asahi had planned to launch Japan's first beer container made of polyethylene terephthalate as part of its strategy to promote the drink for younger consumers who value convenience and style, according to the company.

However, Greenpeace Japan led a campaign against the plan, claiming that the introduction of plastic bottles would create waste disposal problems and would be bad for the environment. Since the company unveiled the plastic bottle plan in July, it has received about 800 inquiries, half of which expressed objections, according to Asahi Breweries.

Greenpeace said that the beer industry should stick to existing glass bottles, for which a recycling system exists.

An Asahi official said the company decided to shelve the plastic bottle plan for the time being because its new product "could accelerate moves by breweries to sell beer in plastic bottles at a time when a proper recycling system has not been established."

The company said it would continue its research into plastic bottles and their environmental impact. Asahi had developed a plastic bottle whose surface is protected by a light-shielding film in order to prevent deterioration of the beer. Greenpeace welcomed Asahi's cancellation of the plan, saying, "The power of citizens who are fed up with companies which irresponsibly produce waste moved the firm."


01 October, 2004