SPAR and LIDL: Digital pawnbons revolutionize recycling!

Von WOM

Österreich - Spar and Lidl are currently working on innovative solutions to facilitate the return of deposit bottles and cans. The focus is on digital deposit bons, which are to be integrated directly into the apps of the supermarkets. This measure comes at a time when over 12 million disposal bottles and doses have already been returned since the start of the disposable deposit system on January 1, 2025. Spar plans to make the new feature available in the coming weeks and has already switched more than half of the drinks affected to the deposit system. Until the middle of the year, the company expects that all products are plucked. From autumn 2025, only pledged products should be on the shelves, which would represent a significant step towards sustainable consumption habits, reports 5min.at .

The continuously increasing returns of deposit bottles illustrate the acceptance of the new system. Lidl has also confirmed that you are working on a digital solution for Pfandbons to make the process easier for customers. Other retailers also benefit in this movement: Rewe has now withdrawn over 3.7 million containers, with the majority of the secondary market coming (44 % plastic, 56 % metal). According to the company, the returns to Rewe have even doubled, which indicates a growing environmental awareness of consumers.

European trends and new initiatives

The European Deposit Return Systems Association (EDRSA) was founded in mid -February 2025 as part of the efforts to promote efficiency and exchange experiences in the field of disposable deposit systems. This new association combines leading operators of disposable deposit systems and relevant industry players from all over Europe, including recycling Pfand Austria. The aim of the EDRSA is to create a platform for the exchange of knowledge and to support the development of the circular economy.

There are currently 17 countries, including Denmark, Finland, Germany and Hungary, part of this initiative. The EDRSA not only promotes the standardization and integration of new technologies, but is also actively involved in public debates. In addition, membership is open to all deposit system organizations from the EU and the EEA, which is intended to create a comprehensive network to improve disposable deposit systems in Europe. The President of the EDRSA, Marian AC, underlines the commitment of the Association for Innovation and Environmental Responsibility.

The disposable deposit system in Austria provides for a deposit of 25 cents per bottle or can. Patched bottles and doses must be empty, unexpected and backed with the corresponding label. This system has the potential not only to relieve the environment, but also to continuously increase the return rate, as the developments in recent months show.

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