European Experts Discussed the Future of Deposit Return Systems and the Circular Economy at the EDRSA Conference 2026 in Bratislava
Representatives of European institutions, Deposit Return System (DRS) operators, producers, recyclers and circular economy experts from across Europe gathered on 28 May in Bratislava for the international conference: “Deposit Return Systems and a Competitive European Union: From Collection to Circular Economy” organised by the European Deposit Return Systems Association (EDRSA).
For the first time, the conference created a unique European platform for dialogue on the future of circular economy policy, the growing role of Deposit Return Systems in achieving the European Union’s environmental objectives, and the contribution of circular economy solutions to a more competitive and sustainable Europe.
Particular attention was dedicated to the upcoming Circular Economy Act, which the European Union is expected to adopt in the second half of 2026. The conference aimed to contribute to the ongoing expert and public discussion ahead of the adoption of the legislation and to address questions and challenges related to the broader European regulatory framework concerning the reuse and recycling of beverage packaging materials.
Throughout four expert sessions, participants discussed:
- the future Circular Economy Act and EU competitiveness,
- the contribution of Deposit Return Systems to high-quality recycling and closed-loop systems,
- challenges and opportunities for producers and recyclers under the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR),
- recycled content targets and material quality,
- innovation, digitalisation and eco-design,
- and the future growth and development of Deposit Return Systems across Europe.
The conference welcomed approximately 120 participants from 26 countries, including representatives of beverage producers, recycling companies, industry associations, European institutions, Deposit Return Systems from Europe and other regions, as well as technology and service providers active in the field of circular economy and DRS solutions.
The programme featured 29 speakers from leading European organisations and institutions, including representatives of the European Commission, EDRSA, UNESDA Soft Drinks Europe, Zero Waste Europe, Reloop Platform, TOMRA, Metal Packaging Europe, European Aluminium, national DRS operators and major producers and recyclers.
A dedicated press briefing held during the conference highlighted the importance of European cooperation in the development of efficient Deposit Return Systems and addressed the role of circular economy policies in strengthening both sustainability and competitiveness objectives.
Speakers at the press briefing included:
- Marián Áč, President of EDRSA and CEO of Správca zálohového systému, Slovakia
- Ciaran Foley, CEO of Re-turn, Ireland and Member of the Board of EDRSA
- Susanne Kürschner, CEO of DPG Deutsche Pfandsystem GmbH, Germany and Member of the Board of EDRSA
Commenting on the conference, Marián Áč, President of EDRSA, said: “European deposit return policy is successful. It delivers the expected results, protects the environment and supports circularity. We are pleased by the strong interest from producers, recycling companies, Deposit Return Systems and partners in our conference. I believe we will be able to identify areas, measures and specific steps that could contribute to strengthening Europe’s competitiveness within the ongoing European legislative process.”
The conference also highlighted the importance of technological innovation, digital traceability, high-quality material collection and cooperation across the value chain in ensuring that Europe’s transition towards a circular economy remains both environmentally effective and economically competitive.
More information about the conference programme and speakers is available at:
www.edrsaconference.eu
