Sweden increases deposit rates for PET bottles and aluminium cans

Sweden is set to raise the deposit on PET bottles and aluminium beverage cans this year to encourage proper sorting and recycling, benefiting the climate and environment.

Returpack, the organisation responsible for Sweden’s deposit return system (DRS), announced that deposit rates will increase from SEK 1 to SEK 2 for aluminium cans and small PET bottles, and from SEK 2 to SEK 3 for large PET bottles.

In 2023, Sweden achieved a deposit return rate of 88.5 percent, with 2.7 billion beverage containers recycled. The 2024 figures, still being processed, are anticipated to exceed this. Returpack aims to maintain a rate above 90 percent, a level that significantly reduces environmental impact. In 2023, the DRS system prevented 180,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions, equivalent to the annual emissions of a medium-sized Swedish city. Additionally, the system saves energy and preserves natural resources by reducing the need for virgin materials like oil and bauxite.

The importance of recycling and resource efficiency has grown across Europe, with Sweden introducing new regulations in recent years to increase recycling rates and minimise waste. Consumer participation remains a critical factor, and Returpack has built a trusted deposit system over its 40-year history. Surveys indicate that environmental concerns remain a key motivator for consumers, with 85 percent recognising the system’s benefits. However, the increased deposit amount is also becoming an influential factor.

Updating the deposit system is a complex process. Producers must modify the labels and packaging of over 11,000 items to reflect the new deposit amounts, ensuring their materials meet recycling standards. Returpack will test and register these updates in its system. Deposit machines will also be upgraded to accommodate the changes, ensuring the DRS continues to operate as a closed-loop system that recycles materials into new beverage containers.

Katarina Lundell, CMO at Returpack, said: The refund is that little added value that makes the deposit return scheme work so well. Now we are turning it up a notch by increasing the deposit amount on all packaging, making it even more attractive for consumers to do the right thing.

Consumers can expect to see the updated deposit packaging on the Swedish market in the latter half of 2025.