Destination… Portugal

Packaging DRS is up and running

On 10 April 2026, Portugal’s national DRS (Deposit Return System) commenced operations. The system, operated by SDR Portugal, covers single-use containers under 3L made of PET, metal, and aluminium. Liquid food cartons, glass, and beverages with more than 25% dairy content are excluded.

VOLTA, a public-facing brand of Portugal’s Deposit Return System, will initially apply a uniform deposit of EUR 0.10 per container regardless of its type. This amount will be refunded to the consumer in different ways, including in-store loyalty card credit or a voucher redeemable for cash. A differentiated fee structure may be considered in the future.

During the transition period until 9 August 2026, only containers bearing the VOLTA symbol will be eligible for a deposit refund. Containers without the VOLTA symbol are not part of the DRS and therefore will not be accepted at VOLTA collection points.

From 10 August 2026, all in-scope single-use beverage containers placed on the market (POM) – including water, soft drinks, energy drinks, beer, and similar beverages – must participate in the DRS and carry the VOLTA symbol.

HORECA establishments participating in the DRS are required to register with the system. These establishments are required to accept and refund deposits for in-scope beverage containers they have sold.

At launch, the national network was reported to span 2,500 reverse vending machines, 8,000 manual collection points, and 48 large-volume kiosks, with an approximate cost of EUR 150 million, ensuring nationwide coverage, including the Azores.

The DRS was mandated under Law 69/2018 and initially scheduled to launch in January 2022. Nevertheless, it was only regulated in 2024 through Decree-Law 24/2024.

Glass inclusion remains under consideration with no concrete steps announced.