New deposit-refund system ("DRS") for beverage packaging

On April 10, 2026, Portugal’s new deposit-refund system for single-use beverage packaging—Sistema de Depósito e Reembolso (“SDR”)—entered into operation.

The drinks sector and food retail sector are taking an important step toward a circular economy in Portugal, in line with the measures set out in the European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation.

The SDR applies to single-use beverage packaging made of plastic or metal, with a capacity of up to 3 liters; however, it excludes beverage packaging with more than 25% dairy-based ingredients. The system also introduces a simple rule: consumers pay a €0.10 deposit, which is refunded only when they return the empty packing for recycling.

Beverage manufacturers and packagers, as well as retailer, hotel, restaurant, and catering businesses (“HORECA”), must adopt the SDR by entering into contracts with Associação SDR Portugal, the licensed operator responsible for managing the system.

Transition period

A transition period exists until August 9, during which standard packaging may be sold alongside SDR-registered packaging. However, after August 9, 2026, only packing integrated into the SDR may be marketed.

Obligations for beverage manufacturers and packagers

• Ensure that packaging placed on the market is registered and complies with SDR requirements, including the use of the “Volta” marking.

• Charge distributors and retailers the deposit amount.

Obligations for retailers

• Charge consumers the deposit amount and show it as a separate line item on the receipt.

• Ensure the collection of empty packaging, either through automated collection (installation of reverse vending machines) or manual collection.

• Provide consumers with clear information, including showing the product price and the deposit amount separately.

• Ensure appropriate storage of collected packaging and adapt logistical and operational processes to send it to counting and sorting centers and for onward shipment to recycling.

Obligations for HORECA businesses

• Charge the deposit amount where applicable, such as where beverages are prepaid, or sold for takeaway or delivery.

• Refund the deposit amount to customers when they return packaging to the establishment.

• Collect packaging consumed on the premises and ensure its proper storage, or deposit it in “Volta” kiosks, so it can be sent to counting and sorting centers and then onward to recycling.

The SDR creates a new logistical and financial flow for businesses and will require operational adjustments.

In other EU Member States, deposit-refund systems have supported collection rates of approximately 90% for beverage packaging.

Therefore, the SDR offers an opportunity to improve Portugal’s collection and recycling performance for plastic and metal packaging and to meet the targets the country is required to achieve.

Under the Unified Regime for Specific Waste Streams (UNILEX), which transposes Directive 94/62/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of December 20, 1994, on packaging and packaging waste, Portugal (like other Member States) must ensure that, by December 31, 2030, at least 70% (by weight) of all packaging waste placed on the market each year is recycled.

Over the same period, minimum recycling targets also apply to specific materials contained in packaging waste: (i) 80% for ferrous metals, (ii) 60% for aluminum, and (iii) 55% for plastic.

Portugal currently falls short of these thresholds. Indeed, according to the most recent data (2024) in the Portuguese Environment Agency’s Management Report on Packaging and Packaging Waste (available at https://apambiente.pt/residuos/relatorios-de-gestao-1), collection and recycling rates are 51.5% for plastic packaging waste and 59.2% for metal packaging waste.

By January 1, 2029, at least 90% (by weight) per year of SDR-covered beverage packaging placed on the market must be collected separately. Subsequently, by January 1, 2040, plastic bottles covered by the SDR must contain at least 65% recycled material recovered from post-consumer plastic waste.