
09/27/2025
Germany's highly successful Pfand system is a global benchmark in recycling that financially incentivizes consumers to return beverage containers. By charging a small deposit of €0.08 to €0.25 per bottle, the program makes sustainability profitable for individuals, who can easily return their used glass and PET plastic bottles at automated supermarket machines.
These machines issue a voucher redeemable for cash or store credit, a convenient process that has resulted in a remarkable return rate of over 97%. This effective circular economy model significantly reduces landfill waste and serves as a blueprint for other countries looking to combat plastic pollution and promote responsible consumption.