Promoting the
Digital DRS
Global Blueprint
Who We Are
The independent voice for Digital DRS worldwide
The DDRS Alliance is the world’s only independent, non-profit organisation dedicated to coordinating and promoting Digital Deposit Return Systems. Rather than advocating for any single vendor or technology, we ensure that emerging DDRS solutions are interoperable, built on open standards, and aligned with the needs of governments, brands, retailers and consumers worldwide.
Global scope
With DRS expanding rapidly across the world, the decisions made today will shape systems for decades. We ensure those systems are designed with digital compatibility from the outset, and aligned with the Global DDRS Blueprint.
Positive impact
As a trusted, non-commercial voice, we provide governments and industry with independent guidance on how a digital layer can complement conventional DRS, maximising collection outcomes while reducing cost and complexity.
Open & Neutral
Any country implementing a DDRS based on the Blueprint can retain full flexibility to select its own preferred vendors and solution providers. The system architecture is designed to promote that no single organisation controls the ecosystem.
Decentralised
Built on globally recognised standards such as GS1 Digital Link, any capable vendor can integrate with the system, allowing multiple stakeholders to participate within a single interoperable DDRS layer.
Flexible
A solution that works across a wide range of packaging formats, return channels and collection infrastructures, including packaging formats that conventional Reverse Vending Machines cannot process, such as large containers or cartons.
What's DDRS?
A digital and modern approach to conventional DRS, designed to expand collection and consumer choice.
Digital DRS introduces an innovative approach that uses product digitalisation to facilitate a future-proofed DRS solution. Deployed alone or as part of a hybrid and complementary model, Digital DRS extends the reach of any DRS to more packaging formats, more locations and more consumers. Compared to conventional systems based solely on Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs), a digital approach offers several key advantages:
Lower costs
Its deployment and operation incur lower financial expenses compared to conventional DRS.
Carbon reduction
It has a lower carbon cost by leveraging existing infrastructure and collection processes.
More products
It encompasses a wider product scope as it can include any product with a digital identifier.
Compatibility
It works alongside any collection infrastructure, process and conventional DRS model, by incorporating digital connectivity for the return of containers.
Convenience
It enhances consumer engagement by providing more convenience and choice to consumers.
Valuable data
Enables full supply chain traceability, supporting recycling validation, fraud prevention and future requirements such as digital product passports.
How we operate
A structure that guarantees an optimal solution with a big impact.
The DDRS Alliance brings together local and global organisations covering a broad range of technological and operational aspects of Digital DRS. The Leadership Group coordinates activities across members and working groups, ensuring the Blueprint reflects the needs of the wider ecosystem. The Alliance also includes a community of supporters who share the vision of an open, interoperable DDRS and contribute to its development and promotion.
Members
We are building the future of DRS
Here are the organisations that are part of the DDRS Alliance and working together to promote an open, interoperable Blueprint that maximises the global opportunity of Digital Deposit Return Schemes.
