Environmental inspectors have slapped brewing giant Heineken with a conditional fine which could go up to over €1 million if it continues to flaunt the new rules for deposits on cans.

Heineke is still producing cans without the deposit logo despite the new rules which came into effect on April 1, claiming it does so in order ‘not to waste metal and cardboard’. Grolsch has taken a similar position but is not yet facing a financial penalty.

The infraction will cost the brewer 15 cents per can, up to a maximum of €1 million which will be topped up if Heineken persists in selling cans without the logo. The brewer has not yet commented on the fine.

Inspectors have also found that some supermarkets are charging a 15 cent deposit on cans that do not carry the deposit logo because they are part of older stock. Shoppers can only check of they have paid a deposit on a can if they look at their receipt and may not get their money back when they hand it in.

The ILT is still studying the matter, it said, but expects this to be a temporary problem that will have solved itself after Easter.