TOMRA has won the tender to supply the reverse vending technology for the upcoming bottle and can recycling program. SIA Depozīta Iepakojuma Operators, the future central system administrator for the deposit return system (DRS) in Latvia, has made the announcement.
The deposit return system will launch on February 1st, 2022, with a deposit value of €0.10. DRS will accept cans as well as plastic and glass bottles in various sizes (covering beverage types such as non-alcoholic beverages, beer and cider).
“We are very pleased that, thanks to fierce competition, we can provide the best available packaging return technology solution to the Latvian deposit system and our society, which has successfully proven itself in such deposit system countries as Lithuania, Estonia, Germany, Norway, Sweden, and so on,” said Miks Stūrītis, Chairman of the Board of Ltd. Depozīta Iepakojuma Operators.
“The establishment of a deposit packaging return infrastructure is a task of great responsibility, as it goes hand in hand with the sustainability of the system and the overall experience for the society, as well as the desire to return the empty beverage packaging. Given the short period of time available for the implementation of the deposit system, the partner’s experience and available resources is a very important aspect. TOMRA will help us create a modern, safe and practically tested deposit system, which will allow us to fulfill the set goals in environmental protection.”
TOMRA will provide approximately 800 automated collection points, combining around 625 indoor reverse vending solutions and 175 outdoor kiosks. These return locations will ensure optimal convenience for Latvian consumers to return their containers, and deliver on the ambitious targets set by the central system administrator.
“We look forward to working together with Latvia in delivering a world-class deposit return system and creating green job opportunities for around 30 people in our new local entity that will be established. The introduction of a DRS in Latvia positions the Baltic region as a frontrunner within circular economy, ensuring the collection and recycling of packaging waste across three countries. We applaud Latvia’s initiative in driving a circular economy, and TOMRA will strive to make it easy for industry, retailers and consumers across the country to contribute to a more sustainable planet through participating in the new DRS,” said Harald Henriksen, Head of TOMRA Collection Solutions.
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