– AHRESP – Association of Hotels, Restaurants, and Similar Establishments of Portugal and SDR Portugal sign a collaboration protocol to develop the Single-Use Beverage Packaging Deposit Refund System for non-reusable containers in the HORECA channel in Portugal.
– The protocol envisions close collaboration between the organizations to implement a system that facilitates the participation of HORECA businesses and provides training initiatives for AHRESP members.
Lisbon, March 1, 2023 – SDR Portugal, the candidate for managing the future Single-Use Beverage Packaging Deposit Refund System (DRS) for non-reusable beverage containers in Portugal, and AHRESP – the Association of Hospitality, Restaurant, and Similar Establishments of Portugal, have signed a collaboration protocol for the development and implementation of an effective and efficient DRS within the HORECA channel.
The aim of SDR is to increase the number of collected and recycled containers, reducing their impact on the environment and contributing to Portugal’s commitment to meet specific targets.
The protocol outlines close collaboration between AHRESP and SDR Portugal with the goal of implementing a system that facilitates the participation of all consumers according to the proposed model, considering the studies conducted by SDR Portugal and the regulatory framework defined by legislation.
SDR Portugal and AHRESP are committed to working together to develop effective solutions for the collection of single-use containers and deposit refund within the HORECA channel. The organizations will also collaborate on conducting training and awareness campaigns among AHRESP members, as well as participating in events, studies, and working groups that may be identified as appropriate for a better understanding, operation, and evaluation of the proposed DRS.
The Portuguese beverage market within the HORECA channel consists of approximately 80,000 establishments, with an estimated 1.2 billion beverages sold. The solution proposed by SDR Portugal aims to collect all single-use packaging from these establishments, in addition to around 10,000 from traditional commerce. SDR Portugal also plans to deploy a total of 3,600 collection machines with integrated technology in 2,600 large retail outlets across the country, facilitating the acceptance of used packaging.
Leonardo Mathias, president of SDR Portugal, emphasizes that “the protocol signed between SDR Portugal and AHRESP demonstrates the robustness of the proposed solution and its suitability for the collection of single-use beverage containers in Portugal”. “Besides the equipment to be installed in the retail sector, SDR Portugal also aims to ensure the collection of these packages in the HORECA sector, which is highly significant for achieving the results expected with the future DRS. The relationship now established with AHRESP is further evidence that the solution we propose for the future deposit and refund system in our country, complementary to the existing system, has the reliability to significantly contribute to Portugal’s commitment to meet its goals,” adds the President of SDR Portugal.”
Carlos Moura, president of AHRESP, emphasizes the importance of this protocol, which aligns with the sustainability strategy that AHRESP has been implementing for the sector and its affiliated companies. According to the President of AHRESP, “It is crucial that SDR take into account the constraints faced by businesses in their daily operations, especially the lack of storage space, the logistics associated with the return process of these packages, and the collection of a deposit from consumers.” Carlos Moura believes that “if we want companies to be fully engaged in this process, we need to make it easier for them. The intention is to make the process truly effective with the least possible impact on businesses.”
SDR Portugal – Deposit Refund System
SDR Portugal comprises companies in the beverage industry and retailers operating in Portugal, namely: the Water of Fastio, Aguas das Caldas de Penacova, Coca-cola, Water Company of Areeiro, Water Company of Vimeiro, Beer Company of Madeira, Font Salem Portugal, Areeiro Group, Monchique Mineral Water, Parmalat Portugal, SCC – Sociedade Central de Cervejas, Sumol+Compal, Super Bock Group, Unilever FIMA and the associations APIAM – Mineral and spring waters of Portugal and PROBEB – Portuguese Association of Non-Alcoholic Beverages (which constitute the Circular Drinks Association and represent 90% share of the refreshing drinks industry) and the badges Auchan, Intermarché, Lidl, Pingo Doce, MCSonae, Mercadona, makro and Dia Portugal (which constitute the SDRetalhistas Association and which account for more than 80% of the total Portuguese distribution market). The industry and retail sectors are coming together with the mission to fulfil what they believe is a national imperative: increasing the number of collected and recycled packaging while reducing their environmental impact and contributing to Portugal’s commitment to meeting its targets. At the same time, they aim to create conditions to stimulate technological innovation and the competitiveness of Portuguese companies, boosting the national economy.
With the implementation of the Deposit Refund System, SDR Portugal, through its shareholders, anticipates an investment exceeding 100 million euros, of which 70 million should be allocated within the first two years (the minimum implementation period of the system following the issuance of the license) and the creation of more than 1,500 direct and indirect jobs.
Comprising major Packagers (Producers and Distributors) with national coverage, SDR aims to manage an efficient system, thanks to the achieved economies of scale. It will reduce the complexity of the registration of the covered packaging, simplifying operations for packagers and retailers with more transparent costs and operations. This will also lead to a reduction in regulatory costs for the government with equity in the applied fees. This new system will provide greater clarity for consumers, contribute to higher recycling rates to meet European targets, and help reduce littering by up to 40% and marine litter.
About AHRESP
The Association of Hospitality, Restoration and Similar of Portugal (AHRESP) was founded in 1896. It is the largest Portuguese business association, representing over 50 areas of activity in the restaurant and similar sectors, as well as tourist accommodation, all of which contribute to one of the major drivers of development and the economy in Portuguese society: Tourism.