Portugal launches DRS for beverage packaging amid glass exclusion concerns

Portugal has introduced its national DRS for beverage packaging. The system applies to single-use beverage containers of less than 3 L made of plastic, aluminum, and steel. However, environmental associations have expressed regret for the exclusion of glass. 

The system, branded Volta, is operated by non-profit packers’ association SDR Portugal and is powered by Sensoneo, a data-driven waste management solution provider. The system’s deposit value is €0.10 (US$0.12) per container.

The DRS covers mainstream ready-to-drink beverages sold in plastic bottles or cans, including water, carbonated soft drinks, juices and nectars, energy drinks, beer, and cider, and flavored alcoholic beverages, such as alcopops.

However, in response to the launch, Portuguese environmental NGO Zero has expressed regret for the exclusion of glass, describing it as “a structural flaw.”

“It is contrary to the country’s interests, not only from an environmental point of view, but also from an economic one,” states the NGO.

“The characteristics of the material (easy continuous recycling) and the poor results of selective collection were all the reasons to include glass in the system. Unfortunately, it is likely that we will continue to witness the failure to meet the glass recycling target in the future.”

Developing digital infrastructure

Sensoneo’s IT platform was selected to support end-to-end DRS operations in Portugal, including container registration, collection, reverse logistics, and financial clearing.

Consumers can claim the deposit refund when returning empty containers through reverse vending machines or manual take-back points at more than 3,000 collection points across Portugal.

According to Sensoneo, the digital ecosystem includes several mobile applications developed to enhance operational efficiency and user engagement across stakeholders, including consumers, retailers, drivers, and warehouse operators.

The IT ecosystem incorporates an integrated e-commerce module that enables collection points and retailers to order consumables such as bags and seals through a single digital interface.

Portugal is said to be the first continental Southern European country to implement a nationwide DRS.The consumer-facing mobile application, designed for the Portuguese market, enables users to verify European Article Number barcodes’ eligibility, locate the nearest collection points, and review the criteria required for returning containers.

Martin Basila, Sensoneo CEO, says: “Portugal is the first Southern European country to deploy a nationwide DRS, positioning itself as a pioneer and a strong role model for other countries in the region. The system brings a unique level of complexity, particularly due to its island territories and the significant role of the Horeca sector.“

“The implementation has been driven by a strong spirit of partnership, a clear strategic vision, and a shared commitment to delivering a high-quality, future-proof solution. The system will contribute to increasing the collection rate of high-quality recyclable beverage packaging.”

Ensuring smooth operation

Portugal’s geography has influenced operational design. Remote and island regions introduced specific logistical requirements, leading to collection models where certain return locations simultaneously function as storage and material consolidation points.

In Portugal’s island territories, such as the Azores, collected containers are processed into bales at kiosk locations, combining the roles of collection point and warehouse to improve transport efficiency.

Pedro Lago, director of Information Systems and Business Development at SDR Portugal, says: “Portugal’s DRS for beverage packaging is built on the principles of convenience and simplicity for consumers, as well as transparency and efficiency for all entities involved in the system, namely producers, distributors, Horeca establishments, logistics operators, industrial partners, reverse vending machine suppliers, and social institutions.”

“To ensure these principles, we have developed a system with high levels of security, fully digital (including the digital signing of thousands of contracts), and with decision-making processes based on accurate, reliable, and real-time information.”

“From a technological perspective, Sensoneo has been SDR Portugal’s main partner throughout this journey. We rely on its experience, expertise, and customer-oriented approach in implementing what we believe to be one of the most sophisticated and advanced DRSs in the world.”