In 2025, RIGK's take-back systems in the agricultural sector will launch with expanded goals and an improved infrastructure. Their mission: to further advance the circular economy in agriculture and reduce CO₂ emissions. The initiatives ERDE, VerenA, PAMIRA®, and the PRE® system will once again focus on the efficient collection and recycling of used agricultural plastics and packaging this season.

VerenA: Take-back of agricultural packaging for a sustainable circular economy

The VerenA system focuses on the take-back of agricultural packaging such as Big Bags, paper, and film packaging from the agricultural sector. Its goal is to optimize the collection of these packaging materials, reduce CO₂ emissions, and continuously promote the circular economy in the agricultural sector.

• New collection fractions: From 2025, paper and film packaging will officially be collected.
• Increase in collection volumes: In 2024, the collection of Big Bags increased by 48.6%, reaching 480.58 tons. A further increase is expected for 2025.
• Infrastructure expansion: Over 270 collection points – a significant increase from 200 in 2023.
• Recycling rate: In 2024, 75% of the collected packaging was recycled.
• Season start: Initial collection actions began in February; the main season runs from April to mid-November.

With a growing network of partners and new collection fractions, VerenA is committed to a strengthened circular economy.

ERDE: Recycling of used crop plastics for sustainable agriculture

The ERDE initiative the nationwide recovery and recycling system for crop plastics such as films, nets, yarns, and fleece. Its goal is to collect as many of these materials as possible and actively contribute to the reduction of CO₂ emissions through efficient recycling.

• Renewal of voluntary commitment in 2024: By 2026, 60% of asparagus films and by 2027, 75% of silo and stretch films will be recycled.
• Expansion of collection fractions: From 2025, greenhouse films will be permanently added to the collection system.
• Infrastructure expansion: Nearly 700 collection points and over 150 collection partners.
• Season start: ERDE collections have been running since mid-February.

ERDE remains a leader in the circular economy for agriculture, with optimized processes and a growing network to build on the successes of the previous year.

PAMIRA®: Efficient take-back of plant protection product and liquid fertiliser packaging

The PAMIRA® system specializes in the take-back of plant protection product, liquid fertiliser packaging, and pheromone dispensers. The goal of PAMIRA® is to return these packaging materials safely and sustainably and reduce environmental impact through recycling.

• Season start: Initial collections begin in March, with the main campaign starting in mid-May.
• Dispenser collection week: March 24-28.
• Results of 2024: 3,678 tons collected – an increase of 17%. The return of pheromone dispensers also rose to 47.79 tons.
• More collection points: 433 collection points and 463 dates – 25 more than the previous year.
• Digital optimization: Evaluation of delivery data to better adjust the return service.

PAMIRA® focuses on digitalization and an expanded network to optimize the return process and continuously increase collection volumes, as in previous years.

PRE® system: Reliable recovery of unusable plant protection products and other chemicals from the agricultural sector

The PRE® system enables a comprehensive solution for the reliable recovery and environmentally-friendly disposal of unusable plant protection products and other chemicals. This includes cleaning agents, oils, fertilizers, treated seeds, coatings, paints, sprayer filters, and nozzles.

• Results of 2024: 38.92 tons of packaging collected.
• Plan for 2026: Collection will resume in November 2025.
• Expansion of collection points: By 2025, up to 10 collection points will be available nationwide.

The PRE® system contributes to the safe and sustainable removal of chemicals and supports the circular economy in the agricultural sector.

Together for Sustainable Agriculture

In 2025, the RIGK systems will continue their close collaboration with agricultural businesses, retailers, and recycling partners to strengthen the circular economy in the agricultural sector and reduce the ecological footprint. All stakeholders are invited to participate in the collection campaigns and take joint responsibility for sustainable agriculture.

Further information:
Mirco Gattinger
Marketing & Social Media Manager
+49 611 308600-39
gattinger@rigk.de