The economic impact generated by the deposit-return system (DRS) managed by RetuRO shows a significant effect on the Romanian economy in 2024, totalling, in absolute terms, by direct, indirect and induced contributions, approximately 1.49 billion lei, according to an analysis carried out by Academy of Economic Studies (ASE).

The substantial total value of the economic impact highlights RetuRO’s role as a catalyst in the circular economy in Romania, through the system that not only manages the flow of returnable packaging, but also generates broad positive economic effects, extended along the value chain – producers, retailers, recyclers, local authorities – and felt throughout the economy.

RetuRO’s investments have a significant economic multiplier effect in related sectors, such as logistics, infrastructure, recycling, technology. The study demonstrated that the circular economy is and should be viewed as an investment opportunity, not just an environmental obligation, and that sustainable systems can create value, jobs and supply chain resilience.

“The study of the socio-economic impact generated by the Deposit-Return System offers a clear and documented picture of how the DRS is reshaping our economy, our communities, and our habits. As administrator of Romania’s largest circular economy initiative, we felt a responsibility to ask an independent team of researchers to assess the system’s impact through rigorous methodology. First, because transparency is the engine of trust. By submitting our system to independent evaluation, we strengthen the confidence of Romanians participating in the system. Second, the DRS was built to deliver concrete, measurable benefits for Romania. Understanding these benefits is essential. And third, because by documenting the social and economic effects of the DRS, we position ourselves as a trustful and significant partner in the European conversation about circular economy, innovation, and responsible resource management. Traceability, transparency and responsibility are essential pillars of the DRS and the values that guide our way of operating. The socio-economic impact study reflects our core principles,” said Gemma Webb, CEO of RetuRO.

The direct contribution of 677.8 million lei represents the added value directly generated by the system’s activity. This includes the effects associated with current operations: employed personnel, operational expenses, investments in infrastructure, counting and logistics centres, as well as services purchased by the company. The direct contribution highlights the fact that RetuRO is a relevant economic actor in the circular economy.

The indirect contribution of 482.42 million lei captures the impact on the supply chain. Expenditures for the acquisition of goods and services stimulate the economic activity of upstream companies – carriers, equipment suppliers, maintenance companies, IT services, logistics. Through the associated multipliers, the funds spent by the system generate additional activity in related industries.

The induced contribution of 331.26 million lei reflects the effects produced within the economy by the wage income generated directly and indirectly. RetuRO employees and those who work in supplying companies spend their income in the economy, through the consumption of goods, services and taxes, generating additional demand in sectors such as trade, services, energy or transport. The induced component shows the role of the SGR as a generator of economic activity by stimulating household consumption.

The impact on GDP increases as the system matures

At the end of 2024, the total contribution of the DRS to GDP reaches 0.085%, once the system is fully operational.

Thus, the share of DRS material sales in the total impact signals the maturity of recycling flows, and the direct effects are amplified, due to the increase in commercial revenues – materials, consumables, secondary waste. The economic impact of DRS is not static, but increases with the volumes collected, logistical efficiency, investments in infrastructure and the development of recycling capacities.

RetuRO’s total contribution to the GDP is perfectly coherent with the economic structure of the sector it serves. Thus, the value of 0.085% of GDP represents a level aligned with the economic structure of the reference industry, confirming the economic efficiency of the DRS in relation to the market it operates in.

By comparison, the soft drinks sector, one of the main generators of packaging flows, has a direct contribution of approximately 0.48% of GDP, according to the evolution of the CAEN code 1107 in the 2017–2020 period, while, according to the Oxford Economics report, the beer sector had, in 2023, a direct contribution of 0.9% of GDP.

The level of investments made in the system to date has a high economic multiplier of 0.57 lei GVA (Gross Value Added) for each invested leu.

The system generates positive, stable behavioural capital

The DRS has profound societal effects, reshaping habits and building a culture of responsibility and a mindset with concern for the environment. The system has managed to generate a stable behavioural capital, supported by a coherent set of benefits – financial, psychological and identitarian

While young people are guided by a dual motivation – recovering the guarantee (94%) and caring for the environment (93%), families with children value the DRS mainly as an educational and moral tool – positive example (97%), responsibility lesson (94%).

The DRS also strengthens family ties, and 76% of parents feel like “a team” upon returning materials, while seniors demonstrate high behavioural discipline, feeling useful and involved in the community (88%). The system also plays an increasingly important role in the economic inclusion of vulnerable groups, providing them a legal, constant economic activity.

Participation in the DRS generates widespread positive changes, including reduced household waste and better planning for shopping, demonstrating the transfer of sustainable attitudes into everyday life.

Substantial environmental benefits

Between January and August 2025, the CO2 emissions reduced by recycling glass through the DRS reach almost 110 million kg. For this material alone, between 1.1 and 2.7 million planted trees would be needed to absorb the same amount of CO2.

In the same period, CO2 emissions reduced as a result of recycling metal packaging through the DRS are almost 6 million kg. Also, through plastic treatment, CO2 emissions reduced exceed 194 million kg.

Advantages for local authorities

Local authorities benefit from the freeing up of budgets for community priorities and the promotion of national circularity objectives, through avoided public sanitation costs of approximately 400 million lei and additional tax revenues of approximately 23 million lei.

Thus, the implementation of the DRS frees up resources for local budgets, reduces pressure on public waste infrastructure and contributes to national circularity objectives.