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Europe's leading deposit return systems operators and industry stakeholders have officially launched the European Deposit Return Systems Association (EDRSA), a new association dedicated to advancing best practices, policy development, and collaboration in the field of deposit return systems (DRS) within Europe. The DPG, operator of the nationwide German one-way deposit system, is one of the founding members and was also elected as a board member.
The EDRSA aims to foster innovation, efficiency, and environmental responsibility in DRS programs by bringing together key players from across the industry, including system operators, policymakers, recyclers, and technology providers. The association will serve as a platform for sharing expertise, advocating for effective legislation, and driving improvements in circular economy initiatives.
The 17 founding members of EDRSA are the current deposit return systems in Austria, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, and Sweden.
At the constituent meeting in February 2025, Marian Ac (one-way deposit system Slovakia) was elected President of EDRSA. Germany is represented on the Board together with Ireland, Norway, Latvia and Romania. Austria will be taking on the role of Treasurer.
'With the increasing number of deposit systems in Europe, the importance to actively encourage the exchange of knowledge and experience is also growing. Deposit systems play a key role in ensuring a sustainable circular economy. We look forward to actively shaping this change and working together in the European network to provide strategic impetus for the future,' says Susanne Kürschner, Managing Director of DPG Deutsche Pfandsystem GmbH.
Exchange of knowledge and information
The President of the Association Marian Ac stated: 'Our Association enters the European and global deposit return scene at a time when new EU regulations are being gradually implemented, and new national deposit return systems are being created. We want to serve as a platform in implementation of these regulations and in sharing information and knowledge about deposit return systems. From a wider perspective, we also have an ambition to contribute to shaping the future of circular economy and protecting the environment. And we extend our hand to all those having similar goals.'
The formation of EDRSA comes at a pivotal time, as Governments and organizations worldwide increasingly recognize the role of deposit return systems in reducing waste and promoting the reuse of valuable materials. The association will focus on key priorities such as standardization, technology integration, consumer engagement, and policy advocacy.
Active participation, including in legislation
The Association embodies the collective aspirations of its members to shape the future of Deposit Return Systems and the conditions in which they operate. It aims to embrace and respect the diversity of DRS across the European Union and worldwide, while striving to promote, adopt, and implement measures that benefit circular economy, protect the environment, and improve information and education about DRS. The Association will actively engage in public debates on DRS and in aligning with other influential organizations such as major producer groups or trade associations.
Additionally, the Association strives to influence and monitor legislation and policy regarding DRS and packaging in Europe, serving as a key partner for legislative bodies to ensure that the needs of producers, retailers and the principles of a circular economy are reflected in the laws. It advocates for empowering European DRS to achieve high collection rates.
Membership in the Association is available to DRS administrators from the European Union, EEA, and EFTA, while associated membership is open to DRS administrators from around the world.