Denmark sets record for beverage container deposit returns

Denmark set a new record for deposit returns in 2025, with 2.2 billion bottles and cans returned through Dansk Retursystem. This represents an increase of 88 million units compared to 2024 and a significant rise from 2019, when 1.4 billion units were returned.

Kasper Qvant Schmidt, CEO of Dansk Retursystem, noted that high return rates facilitate a ‘closed loop’ system, allowing packaging to be recycled into high-quality new products, thereby saving raw materials and energy. More than 90% of all beverage packaging was returned, averaging one item per person per day.

However, new European Union mandates require reusable bottles to comprise at least 10% of beverage packaging by 2030, rising to 40% by 2040. Dansk Retursystem suggests these requirements could increase costs for breweries, retailers, and consumers due to necessary investments in new production lines, washing facilities, and logistics. Furthermore, a life cycle analysis from Teknologisk Institut indicates that reusable bottles may not necessarily offer a lower climate impact than the current highly efficient Danish recycling system.