Feasibility study on introduction of the deposit refund system for single-use beverage packaging in Armenia
Environment Group provided consulting services for the implementation of environmental and social audit and assessment of the Deposit Refund System in Armenia. The primary objective of the project was to assess the feasibility and design of a Deposit Refund System (DRS) for single-use beverage packaging (PET, glass, aluminum) in Armenia, in line with the EU–Armenia Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA) obligations and international circular economy standards.
What we delivered:
Environment Group worked with experts in the field to conduct environmental and socio-economic analysis and evaluated Armenia’s current packaging waste flows, landfill practices, recycling sector capacities, and social impacts of DRS introduction, including affordability, employment effects, and consumer participation.
Conducted a full feasibility study and cost–benefit analysis, benchmarking Armenia against EU countries (Lithuania and 12 others). Financial models were undertaken to estimate capital investment, operational sustainability and evaluate the model’s long-term socio-economic benefits.
Developed a draft legislative acts (Laws on DRS and amendments to related laws) package and provided methodological guidance for DRS operation, monitoring and governance, in accordance with EU directives and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) principles.
Designed and implemented a structured consultation process with ministries, municipalities, civil society, producers, importers, and retailers to ensure inclusiveness, gender sensitivity, and buy-in from all actors.
Proposed and designed public campaigns and outreach strategies to increase awareness surrounding the project and consumer participation, with the aim to improve waste sorting behaviour. Environment Group’s work also addressed social and economic co-benefits of the system, including job creation and support to local recycling industries.