We are an Alliance united in the mission to accelerate the implementation of best-in-class Deposit Return Systems (DRS) across Europe (UK and European Union).
Our members
We come from companies across the beverage packaging value chain, environmental non-governmental organisations (ENGOs), and technology and green tech industry and experts.
Building on success
Build on the achievements of the past two years, which culminated in the adoption of Article 50 of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). During this time, Reloop collaborated with beverage brands, industry associations, material suppliers, DRS operators, and ENGOs to deliver a unified message to policymakers.
Bold objectives for Deposit Return Systems
The critical next phase is ensuring the effective and timely implementation of Deposit Return Systems across EU Member States and the UK while also monitoring performance data from non-DRS countries to address possible inaccuracies in reported collection and recycling rates.
This could contribute to the development of closed-loop recycling systems, where materials are continually recycled back into their original form, such as bottle-to-bottle and can-to-can. Additionally, reuse may be integrated into system design, depending on regional reuse strategies and the requirements outlined in Article 29, which sets reuse targets for beverage packaging.
Webinar: Accelerating Best-in-Class DRS Across Europe
In this recorded webinar, we launched the European Alliance for Best-in-Class DRS.
Best-in-class
Our goal is to drive meaningful progress by building a best-in-class robust, transparent, and results-driven systems that maximise circularity.
What is ‘best-in-class’?
We define best-in-class as ecologically and economically effective systems designed to meet each region’s specific needs.
Deposit Return Systems a proven solution
Deposit Return Systems (DRS) are a cost-effective, proven solution that play a pivotal role in addressing the triple planetary crisis of climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. They also meet the need to deploy circular models which secure European resource resilience and economic development.
Significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions
Recovering and reusing valuable materials reduces reliance on virgin resources, cutting emissions across the value chain.
Reduced pollution
Capturing beverage packaging in clean, sorted streams prevents waste mismanagement and litter, keeping our environment cleaner.
Biodiversity protection
Minimising pollution and conserving resources alleviates pressure on ecosystems, promoting healthier natural habitats.
Beverage packaging circularity
Eliminating the dependence of virgin resources or reducing material needs with high collection rates of quality materials, resulting in the substantial supply of post-consumer recyclate available to local markets. Prioritising closed-loop recycling allows for the continual reuse of materials, where packaging is perpetually recycled into new containers of the same type.
Sustainable management of beverage containers
Relooping of packaging material leads to economic development in the form of green jobs and green infrastructure, benefiting local communities.
High collection rates are required
Achieving a 90% collection rate for beverage packaging, as highlighted in Reloop’s What We Waste report, is vital for returning sufficient high-quality materials to the recycling loop, enabling best-in-class efficient and sustainable closed-loop systems.
Backed by Reloop
Reloop leads the Alliance and serves as the knowledge hub to ensure members remain closely engaged with national legislative and implementation developments.
Reloop’s expansive network and unparalleled expertise are critical to the success of this initiative. With over a decade of experience, Reloop has collaborated with policymakers, ENGOs and industry leaders to:
- Deliver robust, data-driven evidence and analysis to inform decision-making.
- Facilitate hands-on knowledge transfer from operational deposit systems across the globe.
- Foster a shared understanding of best practices for designing and implementing circular beverage packaging systems.
- Cultivate and engage with a diverse global network of experts, collaborating across regions to drive impactful change.