TOMRA
TOMRA provides the proven, scalable technologies that make circular-economy policies work in practice by ensuring materials are efficiently collected, sorted, recycled, and reused. As such, TOMRA technology is relied upon in every major EPR for Packaging and Deposit Return System (DRS) jurisdiction in the world, delivering DRS and reuse infrastructure and MRF solutions. The company partners with governments, beverage companies, producer responsibility organizations (PROs), retailers and recyclers to design and operate the infrastructure needed for effective EPR and DRS implementation. Through its technology and advisory services, TOMRA helps ensure that DRS and EPR programs maximize resource recovery and optimize costs.
Recommendations for Policymakers Developing Circular Policy & EPR for Packaging Policies:
1. Adopt Comprehensive EPR: Pairing EPR with a Deposit Return System (DRS):
EPR for packaging is incomplete without complementing the system with a Deposit Return System for beverage containers. Without a DRS, EPR focuses primarily on curbside recycling, which cannot achieve high collection rates or provide the level of material quality needed for true circularity. Comprehensive EPR pairs curbside recycling with a DRS that incentivizes consumers to return beverage containers for recycling or reuse. For example, in Ontario, Canada where some beverage categories are covered by the deposit program and others by the curbside EPR program, the recycling rate differs substantially: 75% of containers with a deposit are collected through the deposit system, whereas only 50% of containers without a deposit are collected. Higher collection rates means a DRS helps target litter and plastic pollution by collecting the estimated 30-50% of beverage containers which are consumed away from home where recycling bins are typically not available. A well-designed DRS provides a reliable domestic supply of clean, high-quality materials suitable for closed-loop beverage packaging production, whereas curbside recycling alone often results in contamination levels that prevent beverage containers from being recycled back into new containers at scale.
2. Consider the success factors of existing high performing deposit systems especially setting performance targets:
Policymakers do not need to reinvent the wheel when it comes to DRS policy design. There are twelve deposit systems operating today that achieve return rates between 85% and 99%. We recommend reviewing the principles that make these systems successful which are: Circularity, Performance, Convenience, Producer Responsibility and System Integrity. Some of the most important key elements include: a) setting enforceable performance targets, b) guaranteeing consumer convenience either through retailer involvement or a convenience standard, c) setting a meaningful deposit value (e.g. 10¢) and d) clearly defining roles and responsibilities such as through a centralized Producer Responsibility Organization to deliver the performance targets. These principles are explained in more detail with case studies in TOMRA’s white paper Unlocking Circularity.
3. Harness Technology and Modern Policy Design to Deliver Convenience, Efficiency, and System Integrity:
New innovations in DRS technology and policy design are helping policymakers overcome outdated perceptions of “bottle bills” by delivering far greater convenience, efficiency, and transparency. Where return-to-retail redemption is not required, legislators should establish clear convenience standards in statute and task the Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) with meeting those standards through its program plan. Modern DRS programs now offer multiple consumer-friendly return options—including unmanned self-service kiosks in parking lots, outdoor or indoor bag-drop locations, and bulk-sorting technologies that allow consumers to redeem hundreds of containers at a time and receive an immediate refund either digitally or in cash. Return rate performance targets, convenience standards, and annual reports motivate PROs to innovate and continuously improve the system as a whole, especially the consumer’s experience.
For more information, please consider these external resources available in the Public Facing Statements & Resources Section:
2. EPR Unpacked: A Policy Framework for a Circular Economy, TOMRA. 2025.