Deposit Return System Ushers In New Era for Beverage Industry
The Deposit Return System for Packaging (DOA), which came into effect nationwide in Turkey as of 1 July, is opening the door to a new era focused on recycling and resource efficiency in the beverage sector. Operated by the Turkish Environment Agency (TÜÇA), the system enables digital tracking of packaging from production through to recycling, while aiming to increase recovery rates and strengthen the circular economy.
As of 1 July, the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) for packaged beverages rolling out nationwide in Turkey is opening the door to a new era focused on recycling and resource efficiency in the beverage sector. Operated by the Turkey Environment Agency (TÜRÇAY), the system enables digital tracking of packaging from production through recovery, with the goal of increasing recovery rates and strengthening the circular economy.
Implemented under the Zero Waste Initiative, the DRS ensures controlled collection of PET, glass and metal beverage packaging, aiming to reduce natural resource consumption and bring packaging waste back into the economy.
Beverage Producers Adapting to the DRS
With the deposit scheme in place, beverage manufacturers are completing work to bring their product packaging in line with the new system.
Badem Pınarı, a natural spring water producer, is updating the caps, labels and packaging for its deposited products to comply with system requirements, and has begun using recycling logos on the relevant products.
Initial Phase Covers Three Package Sizes
Kaan Badem, Board Member at Badem Pınarı, noted that the scheme's first phase covers 0.33-litre, 0.5-litre and 1.5-litre packaging, with 5-litre containers expected to be added to the system in coming periods.
With the new system in place, consumers will be able to return DRS-branded packaging to deposit refund points and receive their deposit money back.
Targeting Higher Recovery Rates
The deposit management system is expected to make a significant contribution to Turkey's recycling performance.
According to industry assessments, the recovery rate, which stood at approximately 13% in 2013, is targeted to reach 40% by 2026 as the system becomes more widespread.
Recovered Packaging to Supply Raw Materials to Industry
Beyond environmental benefits, the deposit system is expected to deliver significant gains for industry.
By using recovered PET, glass and metal packaging in new production processes, the aim is to increase the supply of recycled raw materials, reduce the need for imported feedstock and strengthen circular economy practices in the packaging industry.
Noting that a significant portion of plastic used in Turkey is allocated to the food packaging sector, the increase in recovery rates is expected to both support industry's raw material needs and help reduce import dependence.
With the new deposit management system, further expansion of packaging management, recycling infrastructure and sustainable production practices in the beverage sector is anticipated.
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