The evolution of how we return bottles and cans

Simpler, affordable and more secure
AI-powered Deposit Return System.

Understanding the repetitive challenges of traditional DRS, built on experience, skills, and know-how from implementing DRS IT systems in 9 countries worldwide.

Countries where Smart DRS is implemented

RVM based vs. Smart DRS solution

Lower costs, zero fraud, faster returns

80%

Lower investment costs than
with traditional DRS 

100%

Elimination of fraud

2x

Faster returns

AI-powered recognition of the material handover

Compressed
containers

Ability to crush beverage containers.

Lower cost

Significantly reduced investment and
operational costs.

Fraud
elimination

Precise data and zero chance to
fraud the system.

How it Works

The simplest way how to return bottles or cans

UNIQUE Identification code

Data matrix code printed or laser-engraved on the cap or lid of the beverage packaging.

SMART Production line

Existing production lines using non-invasive high-speed scanners to track every single beverage container and fully automate reporting. 

SMART Collection point

A lean and affordable alternative to RVMs, enabling secure, fast, and user-friendly returns.

Explained in 4 minutes

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Who benefits from it

Made for every part of the chain.

Producer

  • Reduction in industry fees and handling fees 
  • Savings on warehouse space 
  • Automated reporting of containers in the market 
  • Ability to track the lifecycle of each container 

Retailer

  • Lower investment and operational costs
  • Savings on retail space 
  • Savings on employee time 
  • Increased customer satisfaction 

DRS operator

  • Lower costs for handling fees, logistics and industry fees
  • No more costs for counting centers, plastic bags, national EAN and fraud
  • Automated reporting of volume placement

Consumer

  • Ability to compress beverage containers
  • Faster collection process, avoiding long RVM queues
  • More convenient and accessible collection points

Bulk collection

Customer mobile app

Easy way for fast return and user friendly process to return multiple packagings at one shot

  1. Download Consumer App
  2. Scan codes at home with app
  3. App generates a unique code
  4. Code is scanned once during the collection process and bottles can be returned at one shot

Contact us

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    Driving innovation across global markets

    FAQ

    • Why data-matrix codes instead of barcodes or QR codes?

      Data matrix codes offer same data in a smaller size, enabling them to be placed even on small areas like can ends. They are also read and engraved faster than QR codes.

    • How can the Smart Collection Point detect if there is an ineligible object being returned?

      Smart Collection Point is equipped with an AI powered camera. It monitors the container handover and evaluates what type of object is being returned.

    • Isn’t the smart collection point filling up too quickly without a compacting system? 

      No, since the compaction is done by consumers prior to the beverage containers‘ return. In addition, Smart Collection Point allows for the use of much larger bins / containers for beverage containers storage compared to a standard RVM.

    • How is HoReCa handled?

      HoReCa sector can be easily registered and integrated with retailers, same as in the traditional model. The key benefit of Smart DRS for HoReCa is the ability to set up their own affordable Smart Collection Points, making the return process fast and convenient for their customers.

    • Is Smart DRS compatible with curbside collection? 

      Yes, curbside collections are fully supported, thanks to use of Unique IDs on every container. The downside of curbside collection is that containers cannot be compressed, and counting machines are required. The quality and purity of the material will most likely be lower compared to the model with DRS dedicated collection points.

    • Does the system also support cans?

      Yes, Smart DRS fully supports the return of aluminum cans.

    • Where is the Unique Container ID (UCID) placed on the can?

      The UCID can be placed either on the tab of the can or directly on the lid surface.

    • Does Smart DRS support the return of glass bottles? 

      Yes. For single use glass bottles it works the same way as for single use PET bottles and aluminum cans.

      For crate-based returns of refillable bottles, it supports manual collection, and it is fully compatible with existing crate-based collection processes.

      For non-crate based returns of refillable bottles, it works the same way as for single-use bottles, the Smart Collection Point is then equipped with a soft-drop system.

    • Where is UCID placed on glass bottles?

      Either on the cap / crown, or on the label.

    • Does the system support refillable containers?

      Yes, refillable containers follow the same process as single-use containers, they just cannot be compacted.

    • Does the system support refillable containers?

      Yes, manual collection points are fully supported in Smart DRS. Additionally, Smart DRS saves retail and storage space because the containers are compressed prior to their return.

    • How are small producers or micro producers supported? 

      Small or Micro producers are fully compatible with Smart DRS. They purchase UCIDs before placing products on the market and receive stickers with UCIDs to be placed on their products.

      Alternatively, they can buy lids or caps from can lids / caps producers with pre-lasered UCIDs.

    • Could Smart DRS work on a nationwide level in parallel with traditional DRS with RVMs?

      It could, but it should be temporary. Parallel operation of the two systems would eventually become annoying for the consumers as they wouldn’t know if they can crush their bottles or not.

    • How would the transition from DRS to Smart DRS look in a country with an existing DRS? 

      Producers would begin producing beverages with unique codes on caps and lids. Retailers could host both RVMs and Smart Collection Points simultaneously. However, beverage containers with UCIDs on caps or lids will not be whitelisted and returnable through standard RVMs. Over a short period, typically no longer than six months, containers with unique codes would replace EAN-labeled products, and Smart collection points would gradually replace RVMs.

      Alternative approach is to start by replacing RVMs with Smart Collection Points in closed ecosystems, such as factories or schools, or by adding affordable collection points in locations and events where no return opportunities previously existed, such as festivals or gas stations. This helps prepare for a gradual transition through large-scale pilot projects.

      Another alternative is to use Smart DRS to enhance system security. In this case, DRS operators only pay for access to the Deposit Validation Server and a fee for each connected RVM. The only requirement is that the UCIDs can be scanned, and the material handover confirmed, which requires an integrated scanner within the RVM. Additionally, operators can purchase several RVM add-ons to improve functionality:

      • AI camera
      • SmartGate
      • BulkApp (for an improved customer experience)