Green Forum • 19 February, 2024 at 11:00 PM
The Ministry of Environment announced that more than 2 million packages were returned by consumers in January through the Guarantee-Return System (GRS), most of them in Bucharest.
"Consumers returned more than 2 million packages in January through the Guarantee-Return System. In the first month of operation - December 2023 - beverage producers and importers put about 45 million SGR-branded packaging on the market. In January, the number increased to about 180 million packages," announced the Environment Ministry.
"Less than three months after inauguration, GRS is still at a very early stage, but the reported figures align with initial estimates and we are optimistic that the first-year targets can be met. Over the next period, we will see more and more GRS packaging on store shelves until all products with non-warranty packaging are replaced. The development of the regional centers and the campaign to support retailers in signing contracts and complying with legal obligations continue apace. I thank all those who contribute to the success of this project, which is essential for Romania's future," said Minister Mircea Fechet.
The record for GRS packaging collected in a single day is held by the Municipality of Bucharest, with over 1,000 bags collected. At the same time, the RetuRO SGR team has exceeded 100 employees. By the end of the year, the company plans to create around 600 green jobs.