Sweden’s deposit return system surpasses 3B milestone in 2025

SWEDEN – Sweden’s deposit return system (DRS) has reached a historic milestone, with more than 3 billion PET bottles and aluminium cans returned in 2025, according to new data from Returpack/Pantamera.

The figure marks an increase of 130 million containers compared to 2024, with the average Swede returning 283 containers over the year, a 4% rise.

The national return rate also climbed to 88.4%, edging closer to Sweden’s 90% target and reinforcing the country’s position as a global benchmark for circular packaging systems.

In material terms, the system recovered 27,826 metric tons of aluminium and 24,835 metric tons of PET in 2025.

Unlike conventional recycling streams, which often result in downcycling, Sweden’s DRS maintains high-purity material loops, enabling bottles and cans to be recycled back into new packaging.

According to Sara Bergendorff, Head of Sustainability and Quality at Returpack/Pantamera, returning containers through the deposit system can halve their carbon footprint compared to general recycling, while reducing reliance on virgin raw materials.

A key driver behind the system’s performance is convenience. Designed to integrate seamlessly into daily routines, most returns occur during routine grocery shopping.

The growing deployment of high-capacity reverse vending machines, capable of processing entire bags of containers at once, has further boosted efficiency.

While these machines account for just 14% of installations, they handle 45% of total return volumes, with retailers reporting higher collection rates where they are deployed.

Sweden’s DRS, launched in 1984, is widely regarded as the first of its kind globally. Over four decades, the system has facilitated the return of more than 55 billion beverage containers, underpinned by strong collaboration between beverage producers, retailers, and consumers.

Across Europe and beyond, deposit return systems are gaining momentum as governments and industry players intensify efforts to improve collection rates and meet circular economy targets.

In the European Union, several member states, including Ireland and Hungary, have recently launched nationwide DRS schemes, while others are scaling up existing programs to align with packaging waste reduction targets under the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).

Meanwhile, in Germany, one of the most mature DRS markets, return rates consistently exceed 95%, supported by dense reverse vending infrastructure and strong regulatory enforcement.

Similarly, Norway continues to achieve return rates above 90%, driven by a well-established deposit framework and industry collaboration.

In Africa, interest in DRS is also growing. South Africa and Kenya are exploring extended producer responsibility (EPR) frameworks and collection incentives that could pave the way for deposit-based systems, particularly as plastic waste regulations tighten.

Collectively, these developments highlight a broader shift toward closed-loop recycling systems, where high return rates, material quality, and consumer participation are critical to achieving long-term sustainability goals in the global packaging industry.

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