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Portugal will introduce its national deposit return scheme (DRS) for single-use beverage packaging in 2026.
This makes Portugal the first continental Southern European country to introduce a full-scale DRS. While Malta launched its DRS in November 2022, Portugal's implementation will serve as a model for neighbouring countries such as Spain, France, and Italy.
The scheme will be administrated by the non-profit company SDR Portugal, with smart waste management business Sensoneo providing the IT system.
Sensoneo’s IT system will cover all operational processes, including reverse logistics, tracking, collection, and warehouse and transport management. It will also feature mobile apps to enhance stakeholder engagement.
A key feature of Portugal’s DRS is the integration of the Horeca sector, leveraging lessons from Sensoneo’s experience in Malta. This is expected to boost collection rates across venues.
Portugal’s DRS aims to enhance recycling, reduce waste and set a standard for sustainable waste management in Southern Europe. With an estimated 7,000 to 10,000 collection points, the scheme will focus on making recycling convenient for Portuguese consumers.
Pedro Lago, IT business development and IT director from SDR Portugal, said: “The first milestones achieved in this project have shown that we are on the right track for a smooth, yet rigorous and demanding, implementation. We still have a lot of hard work ahead of us, but I am confident that, thanks to strategic partners like Sensoneo, Portugal will have a well-functioning, trustworthy and advanced deposit return scheme.”
Martin Basila, CEO of Sensoneo, added: “We are proud to support another deposit return scheme with our IT expertise, especially in a region that is implementing such a system for the first time. Our extensive experience from previous projects, particularly in Malta’s Horeca sector, will enable us to create a highly efficient and innovative solution for Portugal."
"By leveraging our technology, we are confident that Portugal’s DRS will achieve outstanding results and serve as a model for other Southern European nations.”
Top image: © Sensoneo
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