IT solution for Deposit Return Systems - 9 countries worldwide

Over the past years, Sensoneo has established itself as the most trusted IT provider for DRS systems across Europe. Sensoneo’s software now supports DRS IT systems in Ireland, Romania, Slovakia, Malta, Hungary, and Austria — the latest country to benefit from its expertise, know-how, and skillset. Poland and Portugal are set to launch DRS at the end of 2025 and beginning of 2026, with IT systems powered by Sensoneo.

Additionally, another country is already partnering with Sensoneo for a successful DRS implementation in 2026. Sensoneo’s involvement in Deposit Return Systems across nine countries globally positions the company as a truly unique stakeholder within the DRS landscape. Below are the details of the nationwide implementation in each country:

Ireland, Re-turn

Date of implementation: February 1, 2024

Ireland became the 16th European country to introduce the Deposit Return System (DRS) for single-use beverage packaging. Just over a year later, the 1 billionth packaging container was returned at Lidl Ireland Kilcarbery, Dublin, on Tuesday, February 4, 2025 — an impressive achievement for a country with a population of 5.3 million. Following challenges with DRS implementation in Scotland, the smooth introduction and effective operation of the Irish system in its first year serve as a role model for other countries in the region, such as England and Wales, where DRS is expected to be implemented in the near future.

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Alan Pearson, Chief Information Officer at Re-turn, the operator of Ireland’s Deposit Return scheme, expresses his satisfaction with Sensoneo’s role as the IT solution provider: “Technology plays a central role in the success of Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme, and Sensoneo has been an outstanding partner in delivering the robust IT infrastructure behind it. Their platform allows us to manage the system with accuracy, efficiency, and transparency across every stage, from collection to reporting, giving us the confidence to scale quickly and deliver meaningful results. Together, we’re building a reliable foundation that supports Ireland’s transition to a circular economy and a cleaner, greener future.”

Romania, RetuRO

Date of implementation: November 30, 2023

The implemented Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) has exceeded expectations, reflecting the increasing commitment of citizens to contribute actively to a greener future. The impact of the scheme is undeniable, with key statistics underscoring its success. Today, 98% of Romanians are familiar with the DRS, 90% have returned packaging at least once, and six out of ten actively participate. In its first year of operation, the system collected over 3.5 billion packages, significantly advancing Romania’s circular economy, environmental goals, and broader societal benefits.

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Gemma Webb, CEO of RetuRO SGR, acknowledges Sensoneo’s critical role as a key supplier responsible for the IT infrastructure: “The power of strong partnerships has been a key lesson learned from implementing the world’s largest integrated deposit return system. Our partnership with Sensoneo has been essential to the success of the DRS, ensuring transparency, accuracy, and unprecedented scale by integrating all stakeholders in a centralized platform. Our mission, at RetuRO, continues with a focus on optimising operations and enhancing the experience of both consumers and retailers. With an innovative technology partner like Sensoneo by our side, we are confident that we are on the right path to becoming an international benchmark in the circular economy and setting a new standard for sustainability across Europe.”

Portugal, SDR

 

Date of implementation: 2026

As the first continental Southern European country to introduce a full-scale Deposit Return Scheme, Portugal is positioning itself as an innovator in the region. While Malta, as a small island, pioneered the concept in the Mediterranean with its own DRS launch in November 2022, Portugal’s implementation will serve as an influential model for larger neighbouring nations such as Spain, France, and Italy. Known as a country of explorers, Portugal once again demonstrates its forward-thinking approach by adopting a system that promotes circularity, reduces waste, and enhances recycling rates.

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Pedro Lago, IT Business Development and IT Director from SDR Portugal, is very satisfied to have Sensoneo on board as an IT system provider: “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.”

Austria, EWP Recycling Pfand Österreich

Date of implementation: January 1, 2025

Austria has officially launched its nationwide Deposit Return System (DRS) for single-use beverage containers as of January 1, 2025. Sensoneo, a global leader in data-driven waste management solutions, is the IT provider for the Austrian DRS, marking the sixth successful nationwide implementation of its kind by the company. The Austrian DRS aims to recycle 2.2 billion bottles and cans annually and achieve a 90% return rate by 2027. Administered by EWP Recycling Pfand Österreich gGmbH, the system introduces a deposit of 25 cents for PET bottles and aluminum cans (0.1 to 3 liters), all marked with a deposit logo. These beverage containers can be returned at any retail where they are sold, encouraging to recycle and reduce waste.

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Malta, BCRS

Date of implementation: November 14, 2022

One year after implementing the DRS, Malta achieves an collection rate of single-use beverage containers above 80%. The Deposit Return Scheme in Malta is operated by BCRS Malta Ltd., the licensed not-for-profit private operator of the national Beverage Container Refund Scheme. The organization was incorporated by associations of beverage container producers, importers and retailers to assume the collective extended producer responsibility on their behalf. Sensoneo’s DRS system works as a backbone of the entire system as it integrates all stakeholders and gathers data from all sources within the process chain.

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Slovakia, Správca Zálohového Systému

Date of implementation: January 1, 2022

Slovakia launched its Deposit Return System (DRS) as the 11th country in Europe, completing the implementation in just 10 months. Today, the system processes an average of 3.5 million returns per day, and the collection rate has increased from approximately 60% to 92% in only two years. At the core of this success is Sensoneo’s DRS system, which serves as the backbone by integrating all stakeholders and collecting data from every point in the process chain. Sensoneo was selected for the project due to its strong expertise in digitization and proven track record in large-scale systems. Its proprietary reverse logistics solution has already supported major national recycling companies and take-back operators in automating and optimizing their daily operations.

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Hungary, MOHU

Date of implementation: January 1, 2024

Hungary introduces the Deposit Return System to accelerate the transition to a circular economy by increasing the supply of pure material streams and reducing the use of primary raw materials. The goal is to recycle 90 percent of plastic and glass bottles and metal beverage cans within three years, MOHU emphasizes. The system aims to reduce landfill use, prevent illegal dumping, and lower environmental impact. Consumers pay a deposit of HUF 50 (€0.13) on PET and glass bottles and aluminum cans ranging from 1 deciliter to 3 liters. Approximately 2,000 return points, called “REpont,” are available across the country through reverse vending machines located in grocery stores with a sales area over 400 square meters and in municipalities with more than 1,000 residents. All return points are listed on the MOHU website and are accessible via the upcoming REpont app.

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Poland, Polski System Kaucyjny

Date of implementation: October 2025

PSK S.A., one of the official DRS operators in Poland, partners with Sensoneo as the IT system provider, leveraging its experience from successfully implementing DRS platforms in seven European countries, including Ireland, Austria, and Romania. The goal is to build a modern, transparent circular economy system that supports a greener and more sustainable Poland.

+1 country in 2026

Sensoneo further continues to expand its impact on circular economy. Preparations are underway for the implementation of IT systems in one additional country, with the launch scheduled for January 2026.