The Swedish deposit return system operator Returpack recently stated that in 2024, the number of PET bottles and aluminum cans recycled through the deposit return system (DRS) in Sweden exceeded 2.8 billion, up from 2.7 billion the previous year. However, the organization noted that the deposit return rate slightly decreased from 88.5% in 2023 to 87.6%.

The Swedish people delivered an average of 271 containers for recycling. Last year, this collective effort reduced carbon dioxide emissions by over 180,000 tons.

In January of this year, Returpack (brand name Pantamera) announced plans to increase deposit rates. The DRS company is moving forward as planned, preparing to raise the deposit for aluminum cans and small PET bottles from 1 Swedish krona (0.09 euros) to 2 Swedish krona (0.18 euros), and for large PET bottles from 2 Swedish krona (0.18 euros) to 3 Swedish krona (0.27 euros). The new rates are expected to take effect in September 2025. Returpack stated that its goal is to encourage consumers to classify materials more effectively by making the recycling process more attractive.

However, increasing the deposit rate also faces some challenges. According to Swedish DRS law, the deposit amount must be clearly marked on product packaging. This means that packaging manufacturers need to update the DRS labels on more than 11,000 items. Subsequently, these packages will be registered in Returpack's system and undergo various tests. In addition, all deposit return machines need to be updated to accommodate the new deposit amounts.

During a brief transition phase, the same type of packaging will be recycled at different prices.

Katarina Lundell, the marketing and communications manager at Returpack, said: "There is no point in keeping old packaging because it won't be worth more. So it's best to recycle as usual."

However, Returpack claims that this effort is worthwhile, as the new rate is expected to drive the recycling rate above 90%.

The Swedish Plastic Recycling Association pointed out that while the plastic recycling industry is striving to improve capacity utilization, Sweden's DRS has made significant progress in recycling more packaging.

Mattias Philipsson, CEO of the Swedish Plastics Recycling Association, stated: "Sweden has all the infrastructure needed to significantly increase the recycling rate of plastic packaging - but most plastic packaging still ends up in household waste and is incinerated."

The organization emphasizes that municipal authorities, brand owners, and producer organizations must intensify efforts to educate residents and encourage more waste sorting collection.