Deposit–Refund System as a Strategy to Drive Sustainable Energy Transition on the Example of Poland

Anna Borucka () and Małgorzata Grzelak
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Anna Borucka: Faculty of Security, Logistics and Management, Military University of Technology, 00-908 Warsaw, Poland
Małgorzata Grzelak: Faculty of Security, Logistics and Management, Military University of Technology, 00-908 Warsaw, Poland

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 3, 1-21

Abstract: This article discusses key aspects of deposit–refund system design in Poland, highlighting the importance of energy-sustainable collection logistics. The main role in this system is played by the operator responsible for collecting and transporting packaging to metering centers and recycling plants. The research focused on the optimal placement of logistics facilities to minimize energy expenditures, using the balanced center of gravity method. It took into account the distribution of collection points and the intensity of material flows to develop an efficient and environmentally friendly reverse logistics model. The most important results of the research are the development of a model for the layout of logistics facilities that minimizes energy consumption, the identification of key factors such as the location of collection points and material flows, the development of a methodology for green logistics, and practical recommendations for system designers. The proposed solutions, although innovative in Poland, are universal in nature and can be applied in other countries. The article makes an important contribution to the development of sustainable bail logistics and promotes a balanced energy transition.

Keywords: deposit–refund system; sustainable energy; circular economy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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