Following this expansion, consumers now have 15 return points available in the two cities where the pilot project operates. Each correctly returned package is rewarded with a RON 0.5 voucher.

Based on results obtained since the project launch, the partners decided to expand the collection network to respond to growing consumer interest and high levels of engagement in supporting recycling. In the first four months of implementation, over 357,000 carton packages were returned. The seven initially installed RVMs recorded accelerated month-on-month growth, with increases of up to 200%, confirming rapid adoption of this initiative and growing public interest.

Results indicate solid performance in both cities included in the pilot. In Brașov, the number of collected packages doubled in the first two months of operation, contributing to growth from 31% in December 2025 to 37% in March 2026 of total collected packages. Meanwhile, results recorded at the Bucharest return point confirmed the need for network expansion in the capital, where over 60% of carton packages for beverages and dairy products are collected.

"The decision to expand Europe's first pilot project for collecting carton packages for beverages and dairy products is based not only on recorded volumes, but especially on how consumers responded to this initiative. We managed to offer Romanians more opportunities to return packages and be rewarded for their interest in recycling," said Ștefan Urziceanu, Sustainability Manager, Tetra Pak for Romania, Croatia, Slovenia, Bulgaria and Moldova.

"Our customers have clearly demonstrated through their actions that they want to recycle when they have simple, accessible and smart solutions available. This positive response encourages us to expand the project in Bucharest, to make collecting carton beverage packages easier and more convenient for as many people as possible," said Gabriela Sîrbu, Sustainability Director at Mega Image.