Deposit Return Schemes Are Going Global in 2026: What Restaurant and Beverage Brands Need to Know
April 2026: Portugal launched the Volta DRS for beverage containers. Singapore’s DRS went live April 1. The UK DRS launches October 2027.
Deposit Return Schemes (DRS) — programs where consumers pay a small deposit on beverage containers and get it back when they return the empty — are expanding rapidly across the globe in 2026. Portugal’s Volta DRS launched in April, Singapore’s Beverage Container Return Scheme went live on April 1, and the UK’s nationwide DRS is confirmed for October 1, 2027. For restaurants, cafés, juice bars, and beverage brands, DRS changes how you design, label, and price your packaged drinks.
Where DRS Is Active or Coming Soon
| Country/Region | Status | Deposit Amount | Materials Covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | Active (since 2003) | €0.25 | PET, cans, glass |
| Scandinavia | Active | €0.10–€0.40 | PET, cans, glass |
| Singapore | Active (April 1, 2026) | S$0.10 | Plastic, metal, glass (150ml–3L) |
| Portugal | Active (April 2026) | €0.10 | Plastic, aluminum, steel |
| UK (England, Scotland, NI) | Oct 1, 2027 | TBD (~£0.20 expected) | PET, cans (glass TBD) |
| EU (PPWR mandate) | By Jan 1, 2029 | Varies by member state | SUP plastic + metal beverage containers |
How DRS Affects Restaurants and Cafés
If you sell bottled or canned beverages: In DRS markets, you must register as a producer, charge the deposit to customers, and ensure your containers carry the correct DRS marking or barcode. Return infrastructure (reverse vending machines or manual collection points) must be accessible. For small restaurants, this typically means partnering with a collection service rather than installing your own return equipment.
If you use your own branded bottles or cups: Custom beverage containers sold in DRS markets need to be registered in the scheme and carry DRS-compliant labeling. This adds a design requirement and potentially a per-unit fee to your packaging. Work with your packaging supplier early to ensure your container design, barcode placement, and labeling meet DRS specifications.
If you sell draft or fountain beverages only: DRS typically doesn’t apply to beverages served in cups for immediate consumption. However, if you also sell sealed bottles or cans (even third-party brands like Coca-Cola or local juices), those sales fall under DRS requirements.
The Impact on Packaging Design
DRS creates specific packaging requirements that affect design decisions. Containers must be scannable by reverse vending machines — meaning barcodes must be placed in specific positions and meet minimum size requirements. Labels must include the DRS symbol and deposit amount. Container shapes must be compatible with automated collection and sorting equipment. And materials must be clearly identifiable for automated sorting — which circles back to the carbon black issue (black plastic containers can’t be detected by NIR sorting machines used in DRS infrastructure).
The rPET Supply Chain Effect
DRS programs dramatically increase collection rates for PET bottles — Germany achieves over 97% return rates, compared to approximately 30% through curbside recycling in markets without DRS. This flood of clean, food-grade post-consumer PET creates a reliable supply of rPET feedstock, which in turn makes rPET food containers more available and affordable. For food packaging buyers, the expansion of DRS programs globally means rPET supply improves and prices stabilize — making rPET containers an increasingly attractive option.
What to Do Now
If you sell in a market where DRS is launching or already active, take three steps. First, check whether your product is covered — DRS typically covers sealed beverage containers between 100ml and 3L, but exemptions vary. Second, register with the national DRS operator before the deadline. Third, work with your packaging supplier to ensure container design, barcode placement, and labeling comply with DRS specifications.
Need DRS-compliant beverage packaging? GQ TH Pack supplies cups, bottles, and containers designed for DRS-compatible markets — with correct barcode placement areas and compliant labeling. Contact us for market-specific packaging guidance.