1) “Strengthened framework for the management of plastic packing including a deposit-refund system for plastic bottles””

Project facts

Project promoter:
Portuguese Environment Agency (APA)(PT)
Project Number:
PT-ENVIRONMENT-0001
Status:
Completed
Final project cost:
€112,802
Other Project Partners
The Directorate General for Economic Activities(PT)

Description

The project provided the basis for the policy and regulatory framework for management of plastic packaging including a deposit-refund system in Portugal. It is in line with the more wide-reaching recycling goals put in place by the updated Waste Framework Directive and also the proposal of the EU Single Use Plastics Directive, preventing plastics to end up as marine plastic litter. Furthermore, the project reduced economic and social disparities in Europe and strengthened bilateral relations and cooperation with donor states, since will enhance the creation of sustainable businesses and jobs based on circular economy principles and the results can potentially feed into further processes in the EU or act as pilots for further initiatives.The project deeped knowledge through experience-sharing, including study visits between Portugal and Norway with the latter providing advice on setting-up a deposit-return system; evaluated the current management models of packaging waste and consider new instruments, involving an assessment study/cost-benefit analysis; and  definided the legal framework aiming at the target of developing Applicants Guide governing the deposit-refund system for plastic bottles in Portugal.

 

 

 

Summary of project results

This project developed and approved a regulation framework for a the deposit and return scheme (also named deposit return or deposit refund systems) for plastic, glass, ferrous metals and aluminum beverage packaging.

The main results of the deployment of the project are as follows:

1) Deepen knowledge, including study visits between Portugal and Norway with the latter providing advice on setting-up a deposit system;

2) Evaluate the current waste management models of packaging waste and consider new instruments, involving an assessment study/cost-benefit analysis;

3) Definition of the legal framework for the management of beverage packaging including a deposit system for plastic, glass, ferrous metals and aluminum packaging.

 

 

The project fostered the application of the circular economy principles in specific sectors, through the reduction of the materials use and waste emissions, in particular, through a deposit and return scheme of non-reusable plastic bottles, glass and alumnium packages.

Information on the projects funded by the EEA and Norway Grants is provided by the Programme and Fund Operators in the Beneficiary States, who are responsible for the completeness and accuracy of this information.