Depozīta Iepakojuma Operators successful in bidding for award of the status of a deposit and return system operator

On 29 December 2020, the State Environmental Service (SES) selected a deposit and return system (DRS) operator for packaging of beverages – SIA “Depozīta Iepakojuma Operators” – as a result of elaborate proceedings.

SIA “Depozīta Iepakojuma Operators” will be entrusted with development and management of a deposit and return system of the packaging of beverages for a period of 7 years in Latvia.

SES evaluated two bidders: SIA “Depozīta Iepakojuma Operators” owned by the largest beverage producers, and SIA “Nulles depozīts” owned mainly by representatives of waste management business.

SIA “Depozīta Iepakojuma Operators” received a higher rating under both criteria: the submitted plan regarding organization and implementation of the system, and with respect to the share of the overall volume of returnable packaging.

The deposit and return system will be implemented in Latvia from February 2022.

Ellex Klavins provided legal services to SIA “Depozīta Iepakojuma Operators” and its participants throughout the whole selection process of the deposit system operator: including development of relevant regulations and support in the preparation of the bidder’s documents and throughout the selection process at SES. Advising on legal framework for implementation of the deposit and return system is still an ongoing process.

Ellex Klavins team included Managing Partner Liga Merwin, Senior Counsel Iveta Ceple, Associate Pauls Ancs, Senior Associate Inese Freivalde, Associate Kristers Losans, Associate Partner Martins Gailis, and Senior Associate Edvijs Zandars.