What Statiegeld Nederland does

Statiegeld Nederland (legal entity: Stichting Uitvoeringsorganisatie Statiegeld) is a Dutch non-profit foundation established in 2020 and headquartered in Den Haag, operating as the implementation arm of Verpact — the official producer responsibility organization for packaging in the Netherlands. The organization runs the statutory national deposit return system (DRS) for plastic bottles (since mid-2021) and drink cans (since April 2023), in which producers and importers pay mandatory contributions and per-item deposits, and consumers reclaim the deposit by returning containers through an extensive collection network. As of May 2025, return rates stand at 84% for cans and 77% for bottles, with 93% of the Dutch population reportedly participating.

The core product is the physical and digital infrastructure of the DRS: Statiegeld Retourshops (owned retail points of return, 20 nationwide as of July 2026, targeting 40 by year-end), bulk reverse vending machines that accept 100+ items at once (100+ deployed, 200+ planned in 2026), single-feed RVMs (from 1 m²) for retail partners, and a manual collection model for small businesses. Supporting technology includes TOMRA-supplied RVMs, customer-specific bag-tracking labels with end-to-end traceability, dedicated collection bags (€1 each, refunded upon processing), and a Statiegeld App and Locatiewijzer map for finding collection points. Producer compliance is managed through a dedicated Producentenportal integrated with GS1 Nederland for EAN registration.

Revenue is generated through statutory producer responsibility contributions funding system infrastructure, plus a €1-per-bag deposit that is fully refunded upon processing at the counting center. Collection points are compensated via unit pricing (€0.035/item + €50/month for manual points, ~€0.017/item for bulk locations). Go-to-market is hybrid: a direct-to-consumer channel (mascot-driven TV, TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube Shorts, the Statiegeld Winactie lottery, and event activations) drives consumer behavior, while a partner-channel model scales physical infrastructure through retailers, gas stations, wholesalers, theaters, waste stations, sports clubs, and municipalities. The organization reports cumulative investment exceeding €600 million, with €120 million allocated for 2026 to the four pillars of the Totaalaanpak Statiegeld (more collection points, easier donating, less litter, smarter campaigns).

Name

Statiegeld Nederland

Legal name

Stichting Uitvoeringsorganisatie Statiegeld

Website

https://statiegeldnederland.nl

Company type

Private

Founded year

2020

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Statiegeld Nederland is the Dutch non-profit foundation that operates the statutory nationwide deposit return system for plastic bottles and drink cans on behalf of Verpact, running owned Retourshops, reverse vending machines, and a partner collection network serving consumers, retailers, and producers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Packaging Waste Management

NAICS

Materials Recovery Facilities (56292)

akta.pro primary industry

Reusable Packaging & Refill Systems (Returnable Transport Items, Deposit/DRS Ops) (EUAIANAE)

Keywords

• Deposit return system
• Reverse vending machines
• Packaging recycling
• Producer responsibility
• Bottle collection network

Headquarters

HQ city

Den Haag

HQ country

Netherlands

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Producer Responsibility Contributions: Producers and importers of plastic bottles and drink cans pay statutory deposit fees and contributions to Statiegeld Nederland (part of Verpact) to fund the deposit return system. This covers the cost of collection infrastructure, machine placement, and operational expenses.
2. Bag Deposit Fees: Collection bags cost €1 per unit. This fee is refunded when the bag is processed at the counting center, regardless of whether the location donates or pays out the statiegeld to consumers.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Statiegeld Nederland manages the Dutch national deposit return system for plastic bottles and cans on behalf of Verpact. The organization operates a network of company-owned Statiegeld Retourshops, partner-hosted reverse vending machines (bulk and single-feed), and manual collection points that enable consumers to return containers for statiegeld refunds or charitable donations. Producer responsibility contributions from beverage producers and importers fund the system, which has collected over 12 billion containers since 2021.

Product overview

Statiegeld Nederland operates a national deposit return system (DRS) for plastic bottles and metal cans, managed on behalf of Verpact. The core offering consists of physical deposit return infrastructure — Statiegeld Retourshops (owned retail outlets) and reverse vending machines (bulk and single-feed automatons) — plus a manual collection model for businesses. Supporting products include customer-specific tracking labels, collection bags and seal strips, and a donation box system for redirecting deposits to ANBI-registered charities. The consumer-facing digital layer includes the Statiegeld App (location finder), the online Locatiewijzer map, and the Tikkie-integrated Statiegeld Winactie lottery campaign. For producers and importers, the Producentenportal enables product registration, EAN code management, and deposit declarations. All of these components are administered through Genpact for financial processing and GS1 for product data registration, and operate within the Totaalaanpak Statiegeld framework aimed at achieving a 90% collection rate.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Statiegeld Retourshop A company-owned retail outlet operated by Statiegeld Nederland where consumers can deposit plastic bottles and cans. Each location features bulk machines (100+ items at once), standard single-feed machines, cash payout via Brink's Paystation, Tikkie digital payout, and donation options. Twenty shops were operational as of July 2026 across major Dutch cities.
• Bulkautomaat (Bulkmachine) A large reverse vending machine that accepts more than 100 statiegeld bottles and cans in a single transaction by accepting entire bags or boxes of deposit packaging. The machine compacts items immediately to prevent theft and save storage space, and offers Tikkie payout or donation options. Requires 3-phase power (380V) and consumes 1,500–4,750 kWh/year. Partners hosting the machine receive ~€0.017 per collected item.
• Single Feed Automaat A compact single-feed reverse vending machine (starting at 1 m²) that accepts statiegeld bottles and cans one at a time and compacts items automatically. Offers Tikkie payout or donation options. Requires a standard 220V grounded outlet and consumes 500–600 kWh/year with capacity for 700 cans and 300 plastic bottles. Partner locations require a minimum of 1,600 items/month.
• Handmatig Innamepunt (Manual Collection Point) A manual collection arrangement where businesses accept deposit packaging returns at the checkout, pay the consumer's deposit directly (cash, PIN, or Tikkie), and later receive reimbursement from Statiegeld Nederland plus a €0.035 per item handling fee and €50/month flat compensation fee. Operated by sports club canteens, small retailers, and ViaTim pakketpunten (250+ locations).
• Producentenportal (Producer Portal) A secure web portal for beverage producers and importers to register products, submit deposit declarations, report sales data, and manage EAN code registrations through integration with GS1 Netherlands. Access requires prior registration with Verpact.
• Statiegeld App A mobile application for consumers that helps them find nearby deposit return points via a map-based locator (Locatiewijzer). The app can be used without an account and processes location data with user consent to display nearby return locations and send optional push notifications.
• Locatiewijzer (Location Finder) An online map-based tool showing all deposit return points across the Netherlands, with filters by payout method (cash, Tikkie, donation), machine type (bulk, single-feed, manual), and charitable donation options.
• Statiegeld Zakken en Sluitstrips (Deposit Bags & Seals) Specialized heavy-duty collection bags available in Big, Small, and Mini sizes plus tie-wrap seal strips for collection points to safely store and transport deposit packaging. Bags cost €1 each and the amount is fully refunded when the bag is processed at the telcentrum, regardless of whether statiegeld was donated or paid out.
• Klantspecifieke Labels (Customer-Specific Labels) Customer-specific adhesive labels supplied automatically upon registration that collection points attach to bag seal strips. Each label carries the customer number and bag number, enabling end-to-end traceability of bags through the collection chain to the telcentrum for accurate payment to the correct location.
• Donatiebak (Donation Box) A collection container for consumers to donate their deposit refund to a designated charitable cause. Ordered via the Statiegeld portal at statiegeldnlportal.nl, it enables consumers who prefer to forgo their deposit to contribute to a registered ANBI charity.
• Statiegeld Winactie (Deposit Lottery) A promotional lottery campaign run in partnership with Tikkie. Consumers who deposit and choose Tikkie payout receive free digital lottery tickets; weekly prizes up to €400 are drawn over 10 weeks with a total prize pool of €100,000.
• Statiegeld Toolkit (Communicatiematerialen) A downloadable communications toolkit available at statiegeldtoolkit.nl containing promotional materials, signage, and campaign assets that collection points and partners can use to promote deposit return at their locations.

Quantifiable outcome

• 93% of Dutch population returns bottles/cans; 84% of cans and 77% of bottles returned for recycling
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers14 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered major, core and minor.

• Leger des Heils / ReSharemajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 21 April 2026Bulk machines at Leger des Heils locations and ReShare Stores (Oosterhout, Emmen, with more coming). Combines statiegeld collection with ReShare's circular textile initiative.
• Shell NederlandcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 17 April 2026Shell stations (~500 locations) accept bottle/can returns at checkout, with payment offset or cash payout. Extends network to gas stations beyond highway locations.
• KNVBmajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 3 April 2026Partnership to promote statiegeld collection at amateur football clubs and during national team matches. Part of KNVB's De Groene Club sustainability program.
• ViaTimmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 25 February 2026250+ ViaTim pakketpunten (package delivery points) now accepting statiegeld returns with Tikkie payout. Leverages existing neighborhood logistics network.
• TikkiecoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 15 December 2025Tikkie enables instant statiegeld payouts to consumers via QR code scanning after bottle/can returns. Also partners on Statiegeld Winactie campaign with prizes up to €400.
• Makro NederlandcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 10 December 2025First wholesaler with bulk machines at all 16 locations. Open to non-customers at entrance. Enables large-volume commercial returns with Tikkie payout.
• SAIL AmsterdammajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 13 August 2025Verpact is Presenting Partner of SAIL 2025. Features Drijf-in (floating collection point with Heineken bar), Recyclepunten, bulk machines, and Plastic Whale fishing activities.
• DroppiecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 June 2025Combined Statiegeld Retourshop powered by Droppie locations that accept bottles/cans plus other recyclables (textile, electronics, plastic packaging, drink cartons, frying oil) in one location.
• PathémajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2024Statiegeld machines placed in nearly all Pathé theaters nationwide after successful pilot. Visitors can donate or receive payout via Tikkie. Previously donated 13M+ bottles worth €2M+ to charities.
• VerpactcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVerpact is the official producer responsibility organization for packaging in Netherlands and parent organization of Statiegeld Nederland. Verpact manages the overall deposit return system and Statiegeld Nederland executes operations.
• TOMRAcoreTechnology or IntegrationTOMRA supplies reverse vending machines (single feed and bulk) used throughout the statiegeld collection network. Provided mascot-styled machines (Holle Bolle Bert) for Medikamente Die Grenze.
• HVCmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWaste and energy company placing bulk machines at waste collection stations (Beverwijk, Dordrecht, Westknollendam) serving regional residents.
• Retail ExpertsmajorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerManages operations and technical maintenance of statiegeld machines in the Leger des Heils partnership. Also operates 'Statiegeldlokaal' concept.
• HeinekenminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner on Drijf-in floating collection point/bar at SAIL 2025 event. Serves beverages while accepting bottle/can returns.
• Plastic WhaleminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBeneficiary of donated statiegeld at SAIL 2025. Also organizes plastic fishing activities from water during event.
• GenpactcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerFinancial services partner handling invoices, weekly reports, and payments for collection points. Contact: [email protected]
• Brink's (Paystation)majorTechnology or IntegrationProvides closed cash payment system for Statiegeld Retourshops. Automates cash payouts when customers scan their deposit receipt.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• Re-turn: Ireland's national Deposit Return Scheme operator for PET bottles and aluminium cans, launched February 2024. Operates a similar statutory mandate, reverse vending infrastructure, and producer-funded model to Statiegeld Nederland, serving as the closest direct comparator in Europe.
• Infinitum: Norway's non-profit operator of the country's deposit return system for beverage containers. Operates reverse vending infrastructure and producer-funded collection with similar statutory role and consumer engagement model to Statiegeld Nederland.
• Pantamera: Sweden's national DRS operator for PET bottles and aluminium cans, jointly owned by retailers and beverage producers. Comparable to Statiegeld Nederland in mandate, infrastructure, and reverse logistics focus, with one of Europe's highest return rates.

Broad incumbents

• SUEZ Recycling and Recovery: Global environmental services and water management major with substantial European materials recovery and recycling operations. Comparable in waste and recycling infrastructure scope, but focused on municipal and commercial waste streams rather than statutory beverage container deposit systems.
• Veolia Environment: Global waste management and resource recovery major operating materials recovery facilities and recycling infrastructure across Europe. Comparable in environmental services scale and materials recovery, but operates downstream of consumer collection rather than managing consumer-facing deposit infrastructure.
• Verpact: Statiegeld Nederland's parent organization and the official Dutch producer responsibility organization for packaging. Operates broader packaging waste policy and deposit system oversight, of which the DRS is one component, and provides capital and governance for Statiegeld Nederland.

Regional players

• Stichting Afvalfonds: Dutch producer responsibility organization for packaging waste (excluding beverage containers). Operates in the same Dutch market with related producer responsibility mandates for paper, glass, plastic, and metal packaging, representing an adjacent rather than competing role.

Others

• Reloop Platform: International non-profit advocating for circular economy and deposit return systems across Europe and globally. Comparable in mission and producer-funded structure, but functions as a policy advocate and network rather than an operational DRS system like Statiegeld Nederland.
• Reload Global: UK-based consultancy specializing in deposit return scheme design, implementation, and optimization for new and existing DRS markets. Operates as an enabling service provider adjacent to DRS operators like Statiegeld Nederland, helping design and launch similar systems internationally.
• TOMRA Collection Solutions: Global leader in reverse vending machine technology and a key technology supplier to Statiegeld Nederland. While not a competing DRS operator, TOMRA's product roadmap, pricing, and supply reliability directly affect Statiegeld Nederland's infrastructure scaling and unit economics.

Market position

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCD00cBh6IZkmpfNtcxmZvVw
• Facebookfacebook.com/statiegeld.nederland
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/statiegeld-nederland
• Instagraminstagram.com/statiegeldnederland

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Statiegeld Nederland