Deposit system
German: Pfandsystem
The whole of deposit collection, take-back, settlement and return of containers.
A deposit system organises how deposits are charged, containers are taken back and amounts are settled. It consists of rules, container marking and return logistics.
Germany has two worlds side by side: the statutory one-way deposit system with a uniform deposit logo and nationwide take-back, and reusable systems in which bottles are refilled many times. Reusable systems divide into pool systems and individual systems. All of them need reliable counting and settlement between retailers, bottlers and customers.
Related terms
DPG (German deposit system company)One-way depositProprietary bottleDepositPool bottle
More from Trade and logistics
One-way bottleKeg / caskPackaging unit (VPE)Goods receiptBeverage storeEmpty-container sorting