Deposit return scheme launched in Austria
A deposit return scheme for single-use beverage packaging has been in place in Austria since January 2025
Germany introduced a single-use deposit return scheme (DRS) for most beverage containers such as PET bottles and aluminum cans back in 2005. Since January 1, 2025, Austria has now also launched a DRS for all single-use plastic and metal beverage containers with a capacity of 0.1 to 3 liters. Just like in Germany, the deposit value for this packaging is 25 cents. All beverage containers covered by the one-way deposit are marked with the Austrian deposit logo. The deposit system in Austria is organized by EWP Recycling Pfand Österreich gGmbH, which is the central authority responsible for all organizational and structural matters.
The planning and implementation of new deposit return schemes not only relates to Austria, but is currently being discussed in many European countries. The reason for this is the Single-Use Plastics Directive (SUP) adopted by the EU in 2019. This aims to reduce environmental pollution caused by the careless discarding of single-use plastics and to strengthen the circular economy. It specifies that all EU member states must collect at least 90% of all single-use plastic bottles separately and recycle them by 2029. In order to achieve this prescribed collection rate, many countries in Europe have already launched initiatives to follow Austria’s example in the near future.
As a manufacturer of components for verifying deposit containers at reverse vending machines, insensiv has been deeply involved in the German one-way deposit return scheme since its introduction. Our main focus is on supporting manufacturers of reverse vending machines in taking back only packaging that contains a deposit and making the return process as convenient as possible for the customer. Our technology has developed constantly over the years. With the development across Europe towards the establishment of new deposit return schemes, new markets are emerging for this product area, some of which have very individual requirements. This is why we at insensiv want to continue working on improving our recognition technology in the coming year and beyond in order to be able to offer our customers reliable solutions. We are already today supporting our existing partners in establishing a secure and efficient DRS in Austria as well.
