After criticizing the media and politicians, the Kaufland network decided to withdraw the controversial bottle with a capacity of 3.001 l. “The appearance of this offer was a mistake” – admits the head of the network.
Just before the entry into force of the Caufland Cafeland system, he began promoting the water of Ustronianka in the bottle with an unusual capacity of 3.001 l. It should be recalled here that the deposit system includes plastic bottles with a capacity up to 3 liters.
Controversy and internet hit
The innovation was aimed at bypassing the rules of the deposit system. Thanks to the slightly enlarged capacity, the customer he would not have to pay an additional 50 groszy deposit for this bottle, which in effect reduced the purchase price. Creative idea He became a hit of the Internet. We described the matter here.
From today, there is a bailing system in Poland, but there are already ways to work around it. Kaufland advertises Ustronianka water in a 3.001 liter bottle – a milliliter greater than the statutory limit. Thanks to this, the drink is not covered by the deposit and goes to the shelves at a lower price. pic.twitter.com/lnvkmmxea1
– 🌐 ᴛʜᴇᴘᴏʟᴀɴᴅɴᴇᴡs 🌐 (@thepolandnews_) October 1, 2025
At the same time, the Kaufland and Ustronianka trick met with a sharp reaction of politicians and Internet users, who accused the originators of the desire to deceive and act on the border of law.
Kaufland: We immediately withdraw the product
Now, in the face of criticism and negative social reception, Kaufland has decided Immediately withdraw the controversial product from sales. Martin Piterák, president of the board of Kaufland Polska, informed about this in the official statement.
“The emergence of this offer was a mistake, not an action resulting from our strategy. The scale of a possible sale of this article compared to our entire range of drinks would be marginal. However, if, although to a minimal extent it could undermine the correct and good pro -ecological solutions, whose element of which is the Cauity System, it would be contrary to the ideas that guide our network” – we read in the statement. “
“Our goal was not to celebrate the system”
Martin Piterák informs that “the promotion will not be implemented and the said product has been immediately withdrawn from sales and will not be available in our stores.”
“We would like to clearly emphasize that our goal has never been and will not be celebrating the bail system.”
In a statement, the president of Kaufland reminds: “In this system we fully participate, and from October 1 this year we are ready to collect packaging in all our 255 stores.”
Finally, he adds: “We will do everything so that similar errors do not take place in the future.”
Ustronianka: This is not a system bypass
In this situation, it is worth recalling the position of Ustronianka. In a statement issued yesterday, she emphasized that 3.001 liters bottles do not constitute an attempt to circumvent the system, Because they have been in the brand's offer for 20 years.
“However, this capacity is not new in the brand's portfolio. For over 20 years, a bottle of 3.001 liters. Ustronianki and is used for the production of both water and drinks that go to the Polish market and foreign markets. Now it gets an additional meaning – as Practical alternative for products covered by the deposit system ” – we read in the statement of Ustronianka.
According to the water manufacturer, a bottle of 3.001 liters “is fully in accordance with the provisions of the Caition Act. Thanks to this, the brand combines responsibility towards the environment with a flexible approach to the needs of consumers, giving them a real choice and greater availability of products in various formats, “informs Ustronianka.
Szyszko: Anti -Polish cunning
Let us remind you that the bottle bypassing the system was criticized by, among others Jan Szyszko, deputy minister of funds and regional policy. In the post on Platform X, he described this approach as “pure anti -Polish cunning”.
– Revenues from the deposit system will go to ordinary people and Polish companies making green technologies. Let's call things by name: bypassing the system is no eureka, only pure anti -Polish cunning. Also shame for the German Korpo Kaufland, which in Poland Promotes such pathologies. I wonder if they do the same at home – wrote Jan Szyszko.
Impact from the deposit system will go to ordinary people and Polish companies making green technologies. Let's call things by name: bypassing the system is no eureka, only pure anti -Polish cunning.
Also a shame for the German corpo @kauflandpolskawhich in Poland promotes … pic.twitter.com/bsdmgqyyaz
– Jan Szyszko (@szyszkoj) October 1, 2025
What packaging includes the bailing system
In addition to the aforementioned plastic bottles with a capacity to 3 liters (deposit of 50 groszy) It also includes metal cans for 1 liter (deposit of 50 groszy). However, from January 1, 2026, it will also contain glass bottles of reusable use with a capacity up to 1.5 liters (deposit PLN 1). You can find answers to the most common questions about the deposit system HERE.
