Circular system for agricultural big bags launched

Since spring 2023, the VerenA-SYSTEM has made it possible to Disposal of used, licensed big bags from the agricultural sector. In the spirit of extended producer responsibility, producers and distributors offer their customers an innovative take-back service launched by RIGK in co-operation with the associations DER AGRARHANDEL - Bundesverband Agrarhandel and Verein der Getreidehändler der Hamburger Börse e.V., Bundesverband Deutscher Pflanzenzüchter e.V. (BDP), Bundesverband der VO-Firmen e.V. (BVO) and Deutscher Raiffeisenverband e.V. (DRV), which is already enjoying considerable success.

In the first year alone, agricultural end consumers are entitled to approx. 200 collection points at co-operatives, agricultural traders and conveniently located waste management companies available. There, they can return the licensed, empty agricultural big bags and the associated outer and transport packaging free of charge. The big bags were previously filled with products such as seeds, animal feed and fertilisers. At the halfway point, the result has exceeded expectations: Retailers are participating enthusiastically and the response from agricultural businesses to the new offer has been consistently positive. 

Dr Michael Reininger, expert for agricultural inputs at the German Raiffeisenverband e.V. (DRV), visited the VerenA collection point in Alzey to see the practical process for himself. This is operated by Jakob Becker Entsorgungs GmbH.

„The introduction of the VerenA-SYSTEM is an important step towards sustainability in the agricultural value chain - plastics are taken back and recycled properly. We are very satisfied with RIGK as a system partner and are delighted with the consistently positive feedback from our members and their agricultural customers. The close-knit and professionally operated VerenA network of locations helps farmers to fulfil their responsibility for the environment without any additional effort.“

Dr Michael Reininger

The nationwide option for the smooth delivery of agricultural big bags has been well received by agricultural businesses. The aim of VerenA System Manager Jens Dambeck is to make the To make the take-back system even better known and firmly establish it in the agricultural sectorWe are delighted with the positive response from the industry and the already high return rate of big bags delivered. This illustrates the environmentally conscious behaviour of the agricultural sector. We will continue to work hard to expand the service and gain even more agricultural trade centres as collection partners.„

The establishment of the VerenA-SYSTEM is a step in the right direction. Sustainability and resource conservation in German agriculture. As the use of packaging in agriculture continues to increase, the efficient recycling of bundled plastics creates added value and relieves the burden enormously. The most important prerequisite for the successful recycling of reusable materials is a high degree of purity and short delivery routes. Both are guaranteed by the Targeted recycling of this packaging at locations close to agriculture and is climate protection in action. VerenA helps to close the raw material cycle and reduce CO₂ emissions. The system is financed by the bottlers and distributors of the packaged products. 

Source: RIGK