The Deutsche Pfandsystem GmbH (DPG) has introduced a nationwide uniform deposit system for single-use beverage packaging. It provides the organisational and legal framework for the return and deposit clearing of disposable beverage containers subject to deposit. It has defined certification criteria to ensure the safe handling of packaging subject to deposit from the return of products to recycling as well as the correct determination of deposit clearing data.

Since 2012, cyclos GmbH has also been approved as a certification body for the certification of ink users (DPG label and packaging manufacturers).

Counting centres and reverse vending machines at the POS

The certification of counting centres (ZZ) and reverse vending machines (AT) at the POS is carried out in three stages according to the DPG specifications:

• Stage 1: ZZ - Pre-testing of the counting centre or AT - Type approval on the basis of a reference machine.
• Stage 2: ZZ - initial certification of the counting centre or AT - initial certification in the form of a so-called field test (machines at the POS)
• Stage 3: ZZ - annual recertification of the counting centre or AT - annual recertification in the form of a field test (machines at the POS)

All stages must be accompanied by an IT audit (in accordance with the IT requirements of the DPG GmbH with a BSI-listed company). We work in different constellations with two renowned companies.

The most important component of each stage is the automatic-mechanics test with a readability test, which is carried out on the counting equipment in the counting centre or on vending machines at the point of sale (grocery shop, beverage trade).

The on-site audit at the counting centre also includes a review of the security concept or its implementation as well as the complete documentation of all relevant processes at the counting centre. For the reverse vending machines at the POS, in addition to reading accuracy, tests for detecting tampering, counterfeit containers and devalued containers are also carried out.

The period of validity of the certificates specified by DPG GmbH is 6 months for level 1 at counting centres and POS reverse vending machines; all other certificates are valid for a maximum of 12 months.

Ink users

Single-use beverage containers subject to a deposit must be marked as such. They essentially consist of two components: the so-called "DPG marking" and an article number (GTIN) used exclusively for the German market.

Label printers and packaging manufacturers who wish to produce DPG labels or packaging must conclude an approval agreement as a so-called "DPG ink user" with the DPG and undergo a site-specific certification process due to the central importance of the marking and its relevance to safety.

The certification process consists of three stages and begins with a preliminary examination with a certificate validity of 6 months, followed by an initial certification and annual repeat certifications with a maximum certificate validity of 12 months each.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions regarding certification in the area of mandatory deposit of single-use beverage packaging, in particular reverse vending machines at the POS, counting centres and ink users.