Returnable packaging: Everything you need to know

Last updated: 11 / 03 / 2026

Un returnable packaging is packaging purchased with a security deposit so that it can be returned, reused, washed, and put back into circulation. Long reserved for glass bottles, the packaging deposit system is increasingly developing in France in other sectors such as catering and industry, in order to address the environmental challenges linked to the production of single-use packaging.

How does the packaging deposit work and how does it fit into reuse? Operation, benefits, and implementation, ETERNITY Systems explains everything about returnable packaging.

Returnable packaging in summary

Un returnable packaging is a sustainable medium, recovered, washed and then put back into circulation. It helps reduce single-use packaging and associated waste.
Returnable packaging generally concerns glass bottles, but also jars, bottles, cups in the food, cosmetics and industrial sectors.
Packaging deposit responds to environmental issues and societal, as well as regulatory with the AGEC law, which drives all actions circular economy.
To work, the deposit requires a reusable packaging, accessible return points, an efficient washing system and suitable accounting.

What is returnable packaging?

Un returnable packaging is a reusable container for which the buyer pays a sum of money – the deposit – upon purchase. This amount is returned to the buyer once the packaging is returned, so that it can be washed, repackaged and reused. This incentive system encourages consumers to return their reusable containers instead of throwing them away.

Packaging deposit is therefore a method of reuse, which extends the life of packaging and helps reduce the environmental impact linked to the manufacture and disposal of disposable packaging.

Already well established in certain countries like Germany, where the return rate reached 98%, The packaging deposit system is currently developing in France, but still on a limited scale. However, with the AGEC law and regulations such as the PPWR file, the development of returnable packaging continues to advance, providing a concrete response to regulatory requirements and growing expectations in terms of sustainability.

What are the returnable packaging options?

It exists different types of packaging instructions :

glass bottles, used for beer, wine or soft drinks,
steel drums for beer and gas bottles, which follow well-established deposit circuits,
reusable cups (ecocups), used in particular in bars or festivals, existing since the beginning of the 2000s in Europe,
glass jars,
cans of cleaning products,
cosmetic bottles.

Generally speaking, the deposit can be applied to almost any contents designed to last, as long as they are robust, washable, and suitable for multiple cycles of use.

Why deposit your packaging?

The packaging instruction is registered as a concrete, efficient and measurable solution to develop our practices towards greater sustainability, on two notable levels: environmental and societal.

Benefits for the environment

The consignment transforms the packaging into a reusable medium low environmental impact. Indeed, it significantly increases its lifespan and reduces the production of disposable plastic packaging which has a heavy impact on biodiversity.

Contrary to popular belief, the washing of returnable packaging consumes less water than the manufacture of disposable packaging.
A single reusable bottle can replace a large quantity of small disposable bottles, thus significantly reducing the waste generated and the production of greenhouse gases to treat this waste. Indeed, according to a Deroche study Since 2009, a 75cl returnable bottle has saved up to 60 single-use 25cl bottles from being thrown away.

A response to societal challenges

In the face of growing concerns about plastic pollution and packaging waste, there is a strong expectation that brands will adopt more responsible practices.

Indeed, a European study conducted by PA Consulting reveals that 80% of respondents believe we have a collective responsibility to reduce plastic use, and 57% are concerned about the amount of non-recyclable materials in takeaway packaging.

Packaging deposit therefore allows:

Strengthening consumer confidence,
Promote the company's CSR approach,
Standing out in the face of increasingly stringent environmental demands.

What returnable packaging solutions already exist?

In several European countries, such as Germany, the packaging deposit system is already well established, with return rates approaching 100%. In France, although the system exists, it remains marginal and limited to certain sectors or regions.

However, the dynamics evolve : the AGEC law and the initiatives of committed industrial players encourage a generalization of this consignment model.

The state of affairs in France: the desire to do better

Packaging deposit systems are particularly widespread in professional sectors such as cafes, hotels and restaurants, where 30% to 40% of bottles are still washed and reused todayAs a result, according to the National Beverages Federation, 500.000 tonnes of waste per year are thus avoided.

On the other hand, on a territorial scale, returnable packaging has almost disappeared, with the exception of Alsace and part of Moselle. Indeed, in these territories, certain mineral waters and beers are still sold in returnable bottles.

Article 67 of the anti-waste law for a circular economy specifies, however, that the State must promote systems that reduce the use of single-use plastic, and that the deposit for reuse is to be favored as long as it presents a favorable environmental balance sheet.

The German example: a reference model

Germany is a model in packaging deposit, having a deposit system called PfandThis allows consumers to recover between 8 and 25 cents per bottle or can returned. Result according to the European Consumer Centre: 98,5% of containers are returned.

By comparison, France only reaches 56% for plastic bottles and 43% for cans.

What are the current obstacles to the deployment of packaging deposits in France?

If the returnable packaging is a promising solution to limit waste, certain obstacles – more restrictive logistics or higher costs – work against its implementation in France.

Logistic constraints

Reusing packaging requires additional logistical steps : recovery, sorting, washing and recirculation of containers. For companies, these operations generate additional costs and require new investments and adjustments to the supply chain, which can hinder reuse efforts.

On the other hand, the success of a deposit system depends on the ease of use for the consumer. For this, it is essential to multiply the contribution points – supermarkets, local shops, etc. – to ensure efficient return of packaging.

Large retailers are also playing a central role in the current experiment in France, notably through partnerships with brands like Danone, Refresco, and Lorina. These products now bear a purple banner encouraging customers to return the packaging in exchange for a refund.

Economic constraints

Today, part of the local authorities' income comes from the recovery of sorted waste, particularly plastic bottles. The implementation of a deposit system could divert these flows to other circuits (supermarkets, collection points), thus reducing the revenue associated with sorting.

Another constraining aspect is the fact that the exact amount of the deposit for reusable packaging has not yet been harmonizedHowever, a range of 20 to 30 cents per container is currently being put forward, an amount that should be sufficient to encourage returns, while remaining acceptable for consumers.

How to set up a packaging deposit system?

To set up a deposit system, you need to think about the container, the logistics, the amount deposited and the accounting:

The packaging must be designed to be reused : Returnable packaging must be sturdy, washable, and designed for multiple use cycles. It must withstand transportation and industrial washing. This applies, for example, to glass bottles, jars, flasks, or transport containers. Note that the packaging can be personalized, which allows brands to increase their visibility right through to the consumer.

Logistics must be clear : The success of a deposit system depends on its simplicity. The easier it is for consumers to find places to return their packaging, the more likely they are to do so. It is therefore essential to offer convenient collection points: stores, automatic deposit boxes, transit points, etc. Then, the packaging must be collected, sorted, cleaned, and put back into circulation. These operations can be internalized or entrusted to specialized service providers such as ETERNITY Systems who support washing, sorting and storage of packaging.

The deposit amount must be carefully considered : the deposit amount should encourage returns without discouraging purchases (often between 10 and 30 cents). It should be fully refunded upon return of the packaging, or converted into a credit note. Ideally, it should be set at a level slightly lower than the purchase price of new packaging, so as not to create a barrier for the customer and maximize the return rate.

Accounting must be adapted : returnable packaging is not sold, it is loaned against a temporary deposit. The company charges this deposit and agrees to reimburse it if the packaging is returned. This therefore requires clear accounting: it is necessary to distinguish the purchased product from the packaging, which remains the property of the supplier, and to track returns precisely.

By extending the life of containers, the packaging deposit responds to concrete environmental issues while adapting to new consumer expectations and regulatory changes. While its implementation requires a certain amount of organization regarding the choice of containers, return logistics and accounting management, the benefits are real : waste reduction, improved brand image, and compliance with sustainability policies.

With specialized partners such as ETERNITY Systems, companies now have all the means to integrate returnable packaging into their operations, without complicating their supply chain.

FAQ

What is a deposit?

The deposit is a system in which the customer pays an additional amount when purchasing a product, which is refunded when the empty packaging is returnedUnlike traditional recycling, the deposit system favors reuse, thus reducing waste production and environmental impacts.

Will packaging deposit become mandatory?

Nowadays, the deposit is not mandatory at the national level for all productsHowever, the AGEC law strongly encourages its development, particularly for reuse. Experiments are underway in France, and a generalization to certain types of packaging could see the light of day in the coming years.

Can returnable packaging be reused?

Yes, that is precisely the purpose of the instruction: allow a package to be used multiple timesThe containers are designed to be strong, resistant to industrial washing, and suitable for multiple cycles. Each time they are returned, they are collected, cleaned, inspected, and then put back into circulation. This process avoids the need to manufacture new packaging for each use, thus reducing waste and CO₂ emissions.

About the Author

Anthony ADAM

Communications and Marketing Manager at ETERNITY Systems, Anthony designs strategies and content to promote more sustainable consumption. He is a committed agent of change who combines creativity, rigor, and action to strengthen the visibility and impact of projects related to reuse and the circular economy.