An important step towards a more efficient and sustainable waste management system was recently taken in Bucharest, with the launch of a new SGR (Guarantee Return-System) automatic return packaging machine in the Carrefour Orhideea hypermarket. The event took place on April 24 this year, in the presence of a delegation of representatives of DRS (Deposit Return System) in Europe.

This new automated machine is part of a partnership between Carrefour Romania and Green Pack, the company in charge of waste-management in the 56 Carrefour hypermarkets throughout the country. The investment in the modules equipped with automated SGR packaging return machines, installed in the Carrefour network, is supported by Green Pack and so far amounts to around €6 million.

The RVM (Reverse Vending Machine) installed at Carrefour Orhideea, produced by the company RVM Systems, is of the bulk type and has capacity to take up to 100 packages in a single load. A notable feature is the continuous-flow operation, which means that the machine can be refueled even before the voucher is issued for warranty recovery.

This initiative is a significant step for Romania towards the adoption of modern waste management and recycling systems. By introducing an efficient return system for packaging, it reduces waste and encourages reuse and recycling, thus contributing to a circular economy and a cleaner environment. The Bucharest event also demonstrates the growing interest of companies in sustainable and environmentally responsible solutions.