EPR fundamentals

    Deposit return scheme (DRS)

    A system charging a refundable deposit on beverage containers to drive high return rates, usually operating alongside but separately from EPR.

    A deposit return scheme adds a refundable amount at purchase, redeemed when the empty container is returned. Return rates in mature schemes exceed 90 percent, well above kerbside collection, which is why PPWR requires member states to have DRS in place for single-use plastic bottles and metal cans unless they already meet high separate-collection rates.

    DRS containers are usually removed from the household EPR fee base and charged a separate scheme fee, so double-paying is a real risk during transition years.

    Operationally, DRS requires marking and barcode changes so containers can be identified at return points, which affects artwork and often the barcode strategy for a market.

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    See this in your own packaging data

    Packgine resolves your packaging to component level and applies the rules of every market you sell into.