Diligent Danes set bottle return record last year

In 2025, a record 2.2 billion bottles and cans were returned in Denmark, according to Dansk Retursystem. More than nine out of ten containers were returned last year, creating a “closed loop” that saves raw materials and energy. However, the organization warns that new EU requirements—mandating that reusable bottles comprise at least 10% of packaging by 2030 and 40% by 2024—could lead to higher prices and reduced variety for consumers. Director Kasper Qvant Schmidt argues that increasing reusable glass bottles provides no real climate benefits and burdens breweries with high costs. Consequently, he suggests the Danish government seek an EU exemption for the deposit system. Dansk Retursystem is a nonprofit operating under the Ministry of Environment.