Romania’s DRS boosts aluminium can recovery rates

Romania’s deposit return system (DRS) continues to reshape the beverage packaging market, with aluminium cans approaching a 30% share of the packaging mix collected through the scheme. The latest figures highlight the growing role of aluminium within the system, reflecting the material’s strong recycling performance and its importance in the transition towards a more circular packaging industry.

Aluminium strengthens its role in the circular economy

Aluminium cans are widely recognised as one of the most efficient packaging formats within a circular economy model, as the material can be recycled repeatedly while maintaining its properties. The increasing presence of aluminium cans in Romania’s DRS demonstrates the effectiveness of structured collection systems in improving recycling rates and ensuring a steady supply of secondary raw materials for industry.

Romania’s deposit return system becomes a European reference

Introduced to increase the collection and recycling of beverage containers, Romania’s DRS has become one of the largest deposit return schemes in Europe. The system has contributed to higher recovery volumes, helping improve the availability of recycled materials while supporting European targets for packaging waste reduction and resource efficiency.

Implications for the packaging industry

The growth of aluminium cans within Romania’s deposit return system highlights the importance of efficient collection infrastructures in achieving higher recycling targets. As the European Union moves forward with new requirements under the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), successful DRS models such as Romania’s could provide valuable insights for other markets seeking to improve packaging waste management. The continued development of deposit return systems shows how collaboration between industry, consumers and waste management networks can accelerate the transition towards a more circular packaging sector.