This summary of the Global Conference of Deposit System Experts was written by Cesar Sanchez Lozano from Retorna.
The Global Conference of Deposit System Experts for Beverage Containers began with a message from Jessika Roswall, the European Commissioner for Environment, who congratulated Spain on the progress of the planned Deposit Return System (DRS) and underlined the importance of these systems in advancing towards the European Union’s environmental objectives.
Evidence and experiences from across Europe
Throughout the day, institutional representatives, international organisations and circular-economy specialists presented evidence and experiences demonstrating the effectiveness of Deposit Return Systems in improving separate collection, reducing littering and strengthening the quality of recycled materials.
Alejandro Dorado, from the Ministry for Ecological Transition, reaffirmed that the introduction of the Spanish deposit system will represent a decisive step towards a more modern, efficient waste-management model aligned with European guidelines.
Reloop’s Clarissa Morawski and Anna Larsson shared data on the economic and environmental benefits observed in countries that already apply these systems, including significant reductions in littering, financial savings for municipalities and taxpayers and strong public support.
Designing inclusive and consumer-centred systems
Martín Valese, from the Global DRS Platform, emphasised the need to design inclusive models that incorporate public authorities, industry, retailers, citizens and local communities from the outset. Meanwhile, Xavier Curto from Surfrider reminded attendees of the key role the deposit systems play in protecting the oceans.
Producers, system operators and experts analysed the technical and operational challenges of the future system and highlighted the importance of developing a centralised, transparent, cost-effective and consumer-oriented model. Monika Fiala, from Austria, and Rauno Raal, from Estonia, stressed how placing the consumer at the centre has been essential to achieving successful outcomes: “If the consumer is happy, everyone is happy”.
Ignasi Puig, an expert waste consultant, explained how beverage packaging will finally be able to comply 100% with Extended Producer Responsibility under the new system, relieving municipalities and taxpayers of costs that should not fall under their responsibility. Nicholas Hodac, also called on producers to assume their responsibility and help design the best possible deposit systems to stop bottles and cans polluting the environment.
Legal alignment and regulatory certainty
The legal panel offered a detailed analysis of the European and Spanish regulatory framework, noting that EU legislation is shifting its focus towards prevention and reuse. Experts concluded that Spanish legislation is fully compatible with the EU Packaging Regulation and that implementing the Deposit Return System will strengthen compliance with European objectives.
There was discussion about the absence of extraordinary legislation to increase legal certainty during implementation, and on whether and how reusable containers should be integrated into the Spanish model to meet European reuse targets and support a more circular, ecological consumption model.
Stakeholder perspectives and community benefits
The morning session closed with a presentation from Antonio Romero, of SDDR España, outlining efforts to build an inclusive system that listens to all stakeholders and seeks to develop a universal, modern model adapted to the Spanish context.
In the afternoon, representatives of municipalities, recyclers, NGOs, activists, small businesses and trade unions shared their expectations. This diverse panel helped identify opportunities to improve packaging management, protect public health, support small retailers, create green jobs and deliver tangible benefits for local communities.
Key conclusions from the conference
Spain has the opportunity to build one of the most effective and advanced Deposit Return Systems in Europe, drawing on international best practices and adapting them to its specific reality. Among the main conclusions, the following have been highlighted:
- Implementing the system swiftly to meet the targets of 90% collection by 2029 and 10% reuse by 2030.
- Including all possible materials to eliminate the environmental, social and economic impacts of littered packaging.
- Strengthening Extended Producer Responsibility compliance, generating savings for municipalities and shifting the system towards prevention and reuse.
- Ensuring a reuse-friendly model from day one.
- Designing an accessible, simple and fully consumer-oriented system.
I’d like to express our sincere thanks to all speakers, participants, both onsite and online, the technical staff and the teams at Retorna, Zero Waste Europe and Reloop for their dedication and commitment.
Finally, this event would not have been possible without the collaboration of the Global DRS Platform and the European Alliance for Best-in-Class Deposit Return Systems, whose involvement has been essential in making this international gathering a reality.
Together, we have helped bring Spain one step closer to achieving a strong and effective Deposit Return System.
This video was first shown at the conference