Recycling, Circular Economy and Authentication

As sustainability gains momentum, recycling alone is no longer enough. The circular economy promotes reuse, repair, and recycling to reduce waste and keep resources in use longer. But as recycled products go mainstream, challenges arise – especially the risk of greenwashing and fake or mislabelled goods claiming to be eco-friendly.

Authentication technologies, from digital tracking and invisible markers to secure labelling and blockchain-based certification, help verify recycled content, trace supply chains, and support genuine sustainability claims. This article explores some recent developments.

Türkiye’s deposit return scheme

After years of preparation, Türkiye is set to launch its deposit return scheme (DRS) on single-use beverage containers. As a start, the government plans to roll out a pilot programme in the province of Sakarya before implementing it nationwide by the end of 2025.

By reintegrating recyclable materials into the beverage container production cycle, the system is expected to contribute approximately €520 million to the Turkish economy each year and cut landfill waste and litter by over 85%. Over 20 billion single-use beverage cans and bottles will be securely marked and returned yearly via reverse vending machines (machines that accept used containers in exchange for a refund or deposit return).