The Belgian Digital Deposit Return System (DDRS) pilot
Together with Verhaert Masters in Innovation and Cegeka, Twintag was selected by OVAM and Fost Plus to pilot its Digital Reposit Return System, LitterBits, to combat the problem of plastic litter in Belgium.
The customer
In December 2022, the Flemish Minister of the Environment, Zuhal Demir, announced that a deposit return system would effectively start in 2025 on all plastic bottles and cans. Soon after, the Flemish government launched a call for digital DRS pilot projects that had to be tested and submitted by the end of 2023.
A positive evaluation of the pilot projects in terms of feasibility and desirability would provide an important argument for selecting a smartphone-based digital system over a conventional solution with reverse vending machines (RVMs) in supermarkets.
Challenges
The current practice of disposing of used food and beverage packaging in blue bags for recycling in Belgium is part of a very effective approach, with the country at the top of the pack in Europe as far as sorting household waste is concerned. Even so, one-way PET bottles and aluminum cans still make up 40% of the volume of litter in public spaces. As a result, echoing the progress of regulation at the European level, it has been decided to introduce a deposit scheme for one-way beverage packaging, with the choice between a digital and a conventional system still open.
The challenge at hand was to develop and test - within an extremely tight time frame - in a closed, semi-closed, and open environment whether a Digital Deposit Return System (DDRS) could offer a more cost-effective and streamlined solution while addressing concerns on consumer accessibility, data privacy, and fraud susceptibility.
Simple, yet powerful solution
Get started as easy as 1, 2, 3
The consumer pays a deposit on the beverage
After consumption, the consumer scans a blue bag (at home) or a blue litter bin (if on the go) with a smartphone (or a home scanner)
This opens a flow to scan the data matrix code on one or more bottles or cans to receive the deposit
From production line to market
Simple, yet powerful solution
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Fully-functioning pilot
The DDRS introduced an anonymous "no app, no account" reimbursement flow. Users scan the QR code at a collection point, like a litter bin, and then use their smartphone or a designated home scanner to capture the data matrix code on the can/bottle. This revolutionary system encourages responsible packaging disposal, curbing litter, and optimising collection outcomes for targeted beverage packaging.
Dual-focus approach
In addition, the DDRS concept introduces economic and ecological benefits. Depending on the implementation details, it has the potential for substantial (>50%) cost savings, both economically and ecologically, compared to the traditional reverse vending machine-based approach. This dual-focus approach highlights Twintag's commitment to advancing sustainable and efficient solutions in waste management.
What was this process like:
Results and impact
Quick adoption
In two POCs conducted in separate locations in Belgium, the implementation of a Digital Deposit Return System resulted in a notably smooth and quick adoption by the targeted user groups.
Fraud prevention
To counter issues related to improper disposal and/or redemption of deposits, our approach featured a 'proof of proximity in time and space' mechanism as well as unique packaging codes to preclude any package from being scanned more than once.
Inclusive solution
Demonstrating both efficacy and inclusivity across diverse demographics, fully digital or hybrid deposit return systems have proven to be accessible and beneficial for all age and ability groups, including youngsters and the elderly.
“One of a kind service”
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“The best service”
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“An amazing service”
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One digital ID.
Countless opportunities.
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