Deposit System

When returned to the shops, used beverage containers with the Deutsche Pfandsystem GmbH logo (DPG) are sorted according to the type of material, bundled into larger transport units and then sold to recycling companies.

In order to ensure a particularly high purity and to optimize energy input and metal yield, aluminium cans are shredded before remelting. Other substances are removed and the lacquer is used energetically. Subsequently, the metal is melted in the furnace and then casted into new aluminum ingots. It has the same quality as newly produced primary aluminium. The value is based on the stock exchange quotations for primary aluminium and is often over 1,000 Euros/t higher than that of other packaging materials. As a material with permanent properties, aluminium can be re-used again and again without any loss in quality.

With a return rate of 96% in the deposit system and - taking into account all collection paths - a total recycling rate of around 99%, the metal loop for the beverage can is almost completely closed.

In many cases after less than 60 days, when the beverage can from the retail trade to the consumer and through return and recycling is finally available again as a new can or another aluminium product for the next use. A circular package, par excellence.

For more information on the DPG deposit system, see www.dpg-pfandsystem.de.