Supermarkets Rewarding Container Returns to Advance a Circular Economy

July 2, 2025

Supermarkets rewarding container returns to advance a circular economy

The recent news about supermarkets in Catalonia offering financial incentives to customers for returning reusable containers is a clear example of how zero-waste policies can be put into practical action. Chains like Bonpreu, Caprabo, and Condis are taking part in this pilot project under Catalonia’s National Waste Prevention Plan, offering between €0.05 and €0.10 — and in some cases up to €0.50 per container — to encourage the return and reuse of packaging.

According to data from Barcelona Secreta, BonÀrea pays up to €0.50 for each tray returned. Each container can be reused up to 50 times, cutting both emissions and plastic waste generation.

Environmental impact: why does it matter?

This system goes far beyond recycling. Its benefits are clear:

Reduces single-use plastic waste.
Encourages circular habits among consumers.
Prepares retail chains for the requirements of the European Directive on reusable packaging, which will set progressive targets through 2030.

It’s a real-world example of moving towards a circular economy — a concept we explored in our article on regenerative economy, where we explain why it’s not enough just to reduce harm: we need systems that restore and create positive value for their surroundings.

International trends

These initiatives aren’t unique to Spain. In Ottawa, supermarkets and restaurants are offering reusable containers through a collaborative return system, according to Reuse Ottawa. Places like Carrefour Fontvieille (Monaco) and Ocado (UK) already have deposit programs for food or detergent containers, showing this is a growing global trend (source).

How do we support the circular economy?

At Wegsco, we believe projects like these are essential to advancing towards a decentralized, digitalized, and regenerative model that not only cuts emissions but actively restores ecosystems.

That’s why we back eco-innovative solutions like Solubag, water-soluble bags that leave no toxic residues and can replace traditional plastic bags, directly reducing plastic pollution in urban and industrial settings. These bags:

Dissolve in water without leaving microplastics or pollutants.
Are 100% safe and compatible with existing packaging processes.
Significantly reduce environmental impact.

You can learn more about this technology on Solubag’s official website.

In summary

Supermarkets paying for the return of reusable containers is a key step toward zero waste and a circular economy. Complying with upcoming EU regulations is important, but adopting sustainable solutions that go even further — like reuse systems and innovative materials that eliminate waste at the source — matters even more.

Interested in launching circular projects or solutions like Solubag?

At Wegsco, we help companies and public bodies design and implement strategies for the circular economy, energy self-consumption, and sustainable business models.