Dutch DRS expansion: Recycling foundation branches out collection points
18 Aug 2023 --- Dutch recycling foundation Afvalfonds Verpakkingen this week started a national campaign to increase consumers’ plastic bottle recycling awareness and is installing additional collecting points throughout the country to boost collection rates.
In 2022, 58% of all small plastic returnable bottles sold in the Netherlands were returned. Afvalfonds Verpakkingen says most credits for the accomplishment go to consumers, as they have shown a significant change in behavior since installation.
Since July 2021, a deposit is in place for small plastic bottles. Research shows that 91% of the Dutch are familiar with the €0.15 (US$0.16) deposit on small plastic bottles.
While this has been a positive development, Afvalfonds Verpakkingen flags that consumer compliance needs improvement. “We know that behavioral change takes time. Additional communication campaigns, the constant repetition of the message and the expansion of collection points should have a further positive effect on handing in behavior,” flags the recycling foundation.
The deposit return system (DRS) is funded by producers and importers through a so-called producer contribution on the deposit packaging. The deposit paid by consumers on bottles and cans that have not been returned remains with the Statiegeld Nederland Foundation and is used to further optimize the deposit system, purchase new collection devices, expand collection points and communication campaigns.
“Ultimately, we want all bottles and cans returned via the deposit system. Producers and importers of returnable bottles and cans want the material back because they need this material for new bottles and cans,” says the foundation.
The deposit paid by consumers on bottles that have not been returned is used to further optimize the deposit system.Increasing bottle collecting points
The Netherlands has high legal collection standards of 85% for PET and 80% for cans. The standards are checked annually by the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate.
Afvalfonds Verpakkingen explains the deposit system is not a revenue model as all funds remain within the system. The Packaging Waste Fund Foundation and, by extension, the Netherlands Statiegeld Foundation, have ambitious objectives.
“We are very dependent on consumer behavior in terms of implementation. So we have to make it as easy as possible for them. That is why we are expanding the current number of collection points of 28,000 at schools, theme parks and festivals,” it says.
The main reason why deposits on cans and bottles have been introduced is to reduce the amount of litter and the foundation highlights that it is seeing first results indicating that packaging waste reduction is happening.
“It is now important to press ahead and take extra measures to make it as easy as possible for consumers to hand in their returnable packaging at various locations so that we can achieve the objective together.”
Since July this year, businesses are no longer allowed to offer free disposable cups and trays containing plastic in the Netherlands. The new rules place a premium on takeaway packaging. Packaging Insights recently took a closer look at the national changes.
Last month, Amcor released a survey of European consumers revealing that recyclability is now a “must-have” in the eyes of consumers.
The survey found a significant rise in concern over global warming across European markets since the pandemic – highlighting the need for brands and retailers to reduce their environmental impact by switching to more sustainable packaging.
By Natalie Schwertheim
