Returpack, the company in charge of the deposit return system (DRS) in Sweden, will increase deposit rates on both polyethylene terephthalate (PET) beverage containers and aluminum cans.
The increase will mean that deposits on aluminum cans and small PET bottles will go from 1 Swedish krona (Skr1, $0.090) to Skr2, while large PET bottles will go up from Skr2 to Skr3.
This adjustment in deposit amounts aims to strengthen recycling rates in Sweden. In 2023, the country achieved a return rate of 88.5%, with 2.7 billion containers returned to the recycling cycle.
Figures for 2024 are expected to exceed this result, with the DRS aiming to maintain a rate above 90%, offering significant environmental benefits.
Last year, the Swedish DRS system contributed to a saving of 180,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions, equivalent to the annual emissions of a medium-sized Swedish city. The scheme not only conserves energy, but also preserves natural resources by reducing the need for virgin materials such as oil and bauxite.
According to surveys conducted by Returpack, consumer confidence in the domestic deposit system is high. The system covers more than 11,000 items, which will require manufacturers to update their labels and packaging.
These containers must be tested, verified and registered in the Returpack system to confirm their recyclability into new beverage containers.
In addition, the deposit return machines will require upgrades to adapt to the new deposit values. The upgraded containers will reach the Swedish market in the second half of 2025.
Returpack CEO Tomas Kjellker said that the Swedish deposit return system has become a world leader thanks to 40 years of close cooperation between Returpack, producers, retailers and committed consumers. “This makes a big difference for the environment and the climate-he stresses-by increasing the amount of the deposit, we will give the system a new boost.”
For her part, Katarina Lundell, marketing manager at Returpack, added:
“The rebate is that little bit of added value that makes the deposit system work so well. Now we’re raising the bar by increasing the deposit amount on all packaging, making it even more attractive for consumers to do the right thing.”
This story was originally created and published by Packaging Gateway, a brand owned by GlobalData.
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