Take-back schemes at a glance: proven, reliable, continuously developed
PAMIRA®: 30 years of responsibility for safe returns
PAMIRA® will celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2026. The scheme stands for the safe, reliable take-back and material recycling of plant protection and fertiliser packaging. Last year, around 3,650 tonnes of packaging* were collected – a figure that reflects both the scheme’s high level of acceptance and the strong commitment shown by farms. The recycling rate was approximately 90%*. Collections of seed-treatment packaging (48.49 tonnes) and pheromone dispensers (51 tonnes) also increased further. With 449 collection points and 482 collection dates, PAMIRA® has a nationwide presence through a steadily expanding network and remains a reliable partner for agriculture. Following initial collections in March and a special week for dispensers that has already been completed successfully, PAMIRA®’s main season begins in May.
ERDE Recycling: network growing, closing the loop
Active since February, the ERDE initiative begins 2026 with an even denser collection network: more than 700 collection points and over 160 collection partners in Germany, alongside continued engagement in Switzerland, make returning used agricultural plastics simple and efficient. In 2024, 39,940 tonnes were collected and recycled – saving around 37,258 tonnes of CO₂ equivalents. New partners such as EXPORPLÁS, MANTZARIS and AGRAVIS Raiffeisen AG strengthen the scheme. The inclusion of greenhouse films and drip irrigation hoses expands return options for farms. Internationally, too, ERDE is helping to drive sustainable solutions.
VerenA: fair, transparent and practical
The VerenA SYSTEM has also been active since February for the 2026 collection campaign, with over 280 collection points nationwide. Increasing volumes show that more and more farms are using the service to return and dispose of agricultural big bags in an environmentally responsible way. In 2026, greater emphasis will be placed on checks – only correctly licensed packaging bearing the VerenA logo will be accepted. This ensures fairness and transparency and guarantees that the scheme’s benefits reach all stakeholders.
PRE® SYSTEM: safe management of problematic substances
The PRE® SYSTEM enables the safe disposal of plant protection products and chemicals. Since 2006, together with predecessor projects, 1,183 tonnes have been collected from 11,011 participants and disposed of professionally. In November 2026, seven collection points will once again be available – supporting responsible, legally compliant disposal.
Achieving more together: take-back schemes as a collective effort
For farms: simple, safe, reliable
RIGK schemes provide farmers with a straightforward way to return used packaging and agricultural plastics for proper treatment. This saves time, provides legal certainty and supports day-to-day operations. The high recycling rate shows that what comes back stays in the loop – benefiting both farm businesses and the environment.
For manufacturers and members: sharing responsibility
The success of the take-back schemes depends on cooperation among all stakeholders across the value chain. Manufacturers, distributors, collection partners and farms work together to create sustainable solutions. Active participation demonstrates responsibility in practice, enables innovation and ensures that the circular economy works on the ground – to the benefit of everyone involved.
For the environment and society: conserving resources, protecting the climate
Every big bag, canister or film that is returned conserves resources and prevents CO₂ emissions. The take-back schemes create transparency and trust – and, together with all participants, make a measurable contribution to climate protection.
Take-back solutions that make a difference – practical support for manufacturers, fillers and farms
Whether manufacturer, filler, service provider or farming business, RIGK offers practical solutions across the agricultural sector for the safe and sustainable return of packaging, plastics and chemicals. Manufacturers and fillers meet their legal obligations with RIGK and benefit from a nationwide, cost-effective disposal route. Farms can return materials easily and safely at numerous collection points – free of charge or on fair terms. This makes disposal simple, transparent and environmentally sound. Together, we close loops and take responsibility for sustainable agriculture.
Conclusion: closing loops – together for sustainable agriculture
RIGK’s agricultural schemes demonstrate how the circular economy works in practice. They combine innovation with responsibility and provide solutions that meet the needs of agriculture, manufacturers and the environment. Every returned package, every recycled plastic counts – for a more sustainable agricultural sector and an active contribution to climate protection.
* provisional figures
PAMIRA® is a registered trademark of the Industrieverband Agrar e. V. (IVA). RIGK is responsible for conducting the collections and recycling the collected packaging.
Further information
Mirco Gattinger
Marketing & Social Media Manager
+49 611 308600-39
gattinger@rigk.de
