Little actions become a gigantic, world-changing movement.
We’re all creating an impact where we work, live, and play. But how intentional are we with the influence of making a better world?
The Dutch government, in collaboration with various stakeholders, is actively addressing the rising global demand for raw materials used in food, electronics, and clothing to explore smarter and more efficient approaches to raw material utilization. The ultimate objective is to achieve a fully circular Dutch economy by 2050, with a target of reducing the consumption of primary raw materials by 50% by 2030.
To accelerate the transition to a circular economy, the government has established three key objectives:
- Ensure production processes use raw materials more efficiently, so that fewer are needed.
- When new raw materials are needed, use sustainably produced renewable (inexhaustible) and widely available raw materials, like biomass — raw material made of plants, trees and food waste. This will make the Netherlands less dependent on fossil fuel resources, and it is better for the environment.
- Develop new production methods and design new products to be circular.
A deposit of 15 cents on cans officially took effect on April 1st, 2023. The implementation of the deposit return scheme legislation requires certain considerations. Initially, not all cans available in stores were provided immediately featuring a deposit logo, as the existing stock needs to be cleared out first. Therefore, at this moment we’re still in a transitional period in which not all cans are carrying a deposit.
It’s important to note that the cans being returned should not be excessively damaged or dented. If a can’s barcode for the deposit is unreadable due to significant damage, it will not be accepted by the collection machine. However the majority of Dutchies sort and recycle our waste for ages now. Litter in the Netherlands is managed on a local government level. It will take some time to get used to the DRS on cans, but managing our waste wouldn’t be too complicated once we get the hang out of it.
To address these challenges effectively, a modular interoperable traceability software system proves to be the ideal solution. Such a system can streamline the management of the deposit return scheme by ensuring seamless coordination between various stakeholders, including stores, vending machines, and collection points. It can facilitate the monitoring of stock clearance, enable the timely introduction of cans with deposit logos, and provide real-time data on the number of returned cans.
We believe by leveraging COTIT 360° solution in conjunction with the collaborative efforts of diverse stakeholders, the Netherlands can effectively transition to a circular economy, reducing resource consumption, promoting sustainable practices, and contributing to global sustainability objectives.
This world needs us to make a change. Without placing any limits on ourselves for a moment, imagine the huge positive impact on the world we will make by being consistent in the little things of our lives, such as recycling properly.
