The scheme is planned to be up and running in 2026 and is expected to have between 7,000 and 10,000 collection points.
Malta launched its own DRS in November 2022, but Portugal hopes that its continental-based scheme will serve as an influential model for its neighbours such as Spain, France and Italy.
DRS Portugal will act as the scheme administrator and Sensoneo has been brough on board as the IT provider. The latter will handle all operational aspects including the take-back system, tracking, collection processes, and warehouse and transport management.
The system will also include multiple mobile applications to engage with and improve efficiency for stakeholders.
Notably, Portugal’s DRS includes the integration of the hotel, restaurant and catering industry (HoReCa) – which Sensoneo will specifically target. This is inspired by its work in Malta where the participation of HoReCa significantly contributed to the scheme’s efficiency.
Pedro Lago, IT business development and IT director from SDR Portugal, said: “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 DRS.”
Martin Basila, CEO of Sensoneo, added: “We are proud to support another DRS with our IT expertise, especially in a region that is implementing such a system for the first time. Our extensive experience from previous projects, particularly in Malta’s HoReCa sector, will enable us to create a highly efficient and innovative solution for Portugal. By leveraging our technology, we are confident that Portugal’s DRS will achieve outstanding results and serve as a model for other Southern European nations.”
Deposit Return Schemes across Europe
Romania’s DRS has seen more than 3.5 billion packages collected and an 84% return rate reached since its launch in November 2023. Sensoneo also acts as the IT provider for the scheme.
Closer to home, Ireland’s DRS – which launched in February 2024 – has now seen over one billion bottles and cans returned.
The DRS for England and Northern Ireland is expected to launch in October 2027, with the legislation having come into force in January 2025.
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