Gibraltar
Spain
March 28, 2025
Portugal is set to become the first country in southern continental Europe to launch a deposit return scheme (DRS) for single-use beverage packaging.
The scheme is planned to be up and running in 2026 and is expected to have between 7,000 and 10,000 collection points.
Malta launched its own DRS in November 2022, but Portugal hopes that its continental-based scheme will serve as an influential model for its neighbours such as Spain, France and Italy.
DRS Portugal will act as the scheme administrator and Sensoneo has been brough on board as the IT provider. The latter will handle all operational aspects including the take-back system, tracking, collection processes, and warehouse and transport management.
The system will also include multiple mobile applications to engage with and improve efficiency for stakeholders.
Notably, Portugal’s DRS includes the integration of the hotel, restaurant and catering industry (HoReCa) – which Sensoneo will specifically target. This is inspired by its work in Malta where the participation of HoReCa significantly contributed to the scheme’s efficiency.
Deposit Return Schemes across Europe
Romania’s DRS has seen more than 3.5 billion packages collected and an 84% return rate reached since its launch in November 2023. Sensoneo also acts as the IT provider for the scheme.
Closer to home, Ireland’s DRS – which launched in February 2024 – has now seen over one billion bottles and cans returned.
The DRS for England and Northern Ireland is expected to launch in October 2027, with the legislation having come into force in January 2025.
Source:- www.letsrecycle.com (click here to read the original article)
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