Romanians return 2 milion packages through Guarantee-Return System

Green Forum
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.

RECOMMENDED
RECOMMENDED FROM THE HOME PAGE
DSV boosts energy self-sufficiency with solar power
Energy

DSV boosts energy self-sufficiency with solar power

DSV – Global Transport and Logistics, the world's largest logistics operator, has launched a solar installation at its warehouse in Łozienica, Poland, in partnership with commercial real estate investor Accolade. The installation will meet the energy needs of Poland's first multi-client warehouse equipped with an AutoStore system.

Energy

Etem Gestamp signs cross-border wind power deal with Rezolv

Etem Gestamp, the Sofia-based joint venture between Viohalco Group and Spain's Gestamp Group focused on aluminium extrusion and processing for the automotive industry, and Rezolv Energy, the Actis-backed independent power producer, have signed a 10-year virtual power purchase agreement (VPPA) in Bulgaria. The VPPA will see Etem Gestamp buy electricity from Rezolv Energy's 461MW 'Vifor' wind farm, which is about to come onstream in Buzău County, Romania. It is the first cross-border wind PPA that has been publicly announced in Bulgaria.

Energy

Microsoft hits 100% renewable energy target five years early

Microsoft has achieved its goal of matching 100% of its annual global electricity consumption with renewable energy, reaching the milestone five years ahead of its 2025 target. The achievement supports the company's commitment to become carbon negative by 2030.

Real estate

How is EU real estate navigating the CSRD changes? Take our survey

The recent weakening of the CSRD may have some real estate developers cheering the compliance rollbacks, but the consequences could be complicated. A new research survey examines how EU real estate firms are navigating changes to the CSRD, and what that could mean for upcoming SFDR revisions.

READ MORE
Green Forum  |  31 March, 2026 at 10:44 AM
Green Forum  |  30 March, 2026 at 10:00 AM