Deutsche Pfandsystem approves Emsur Poland’s shrink sleeves and labels for German bottle DRS

21 Jul 2021 --- Flexible packaging supplier Emsur Poland has passed an internal audit by Deutsche Pfandsystem (DPG), a deposit return scheme (DRS) for beverage bottles in Germany.

The audit will allow Emsur to produce and sell shrink sleeves and labels to German beverage markets.

The DPG system was established in Germany in 2005 to provide a legal and organizational framework for providing deposits between participating companies.

Founded by the Central Association of German Retailers (HDE) and the Federal Association of the German Food Industry, DPG developed a set of standards for a uniform labeling procedure that enables automatic collection of one-way drinks packaging subject to a mandatory deposit.

Emsur, having obtained this certification, says it is now positioned to be a flexible packaging provider for key beverage companies in Europe.

German DRS
The DPG system in Germany is relatively different from other European DRS. No single company owns exclusive rights to collect and recycle packaging, but all participating businesses are given specific roles within the system.

For example, supermarkets like Aldi are given rights as deposit centers for packaging. Meanwhile, label printers and manufacturers like Emsur print security labels on products fit for the scheme.

The system places the obligation on manufacturers, distributors and producers of packaging to adopt and use the DRS standards, which Emsur has now achieved through the DPG audit.

The German DRS operates differently from those in neighboring countries.The audit implies label printers and packaging manufacturers wishing to join the scheme must enter into a licensing agreement with DPG as a so-called “User DPG Ink” and undergo a location-related certification process.

Broader environmental commitments
Emsur asserts its commitment to environmental sustainability is based on providing packaging solutions that minimize food waste and maximize availability while reducing environmental impact through optimizing the use of natural resources.

The company has been focusing on eco-designs and the recyclability of its packaging. Its other ambitions include joining CEFLEX and renewing its FSC certification.

Emsur and its sister company for rigid packaging, Coexpan, form part of the Circular Plastics Alliance, an initiative aiming to boost the circular economy for plastics by promoting the use of recycled material and quality recycling processes.

In the context of food safety, Emsur has obtained certification at all of its plants indicating total commitment to manufacturing safe products complying with the most “stringent quality requirements.”

DRS in the UK
Meanwhile, in the UK, the Department of Environment and Rural Affairs recently concluded a consultation on how to introduce a unified DRS, following a postponement due to COVID-19. The new system will likely come into effect in 2024 at the earliest, something some industry insiders have criticized.

Pointing to the economic benefits of the scheme, a 2019 report by the Campaign to Protect Rural England showed that DRS would attract wide public support and generate billions for the UK economy.

However, the DRS rollout is not without criticism. The European Container Glass Federation (FEVE) recently issued an open letter warning DRS could fail to maximize the quantity or quality of recycled glass around the continent.

FEVE says including glass in a DRS could have a range of negative consequences and even put existing collection and recycling systems at risk.

By Louis Gore-Langton

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