Istanbul, June 30, 2026
Press Release
DOA Deposit Return System Creates New Opportunities for Environmental Technologies
Growing environmental awareness and the increasing adoption of circular economy principles are accelerating investments in sustainability-driven technologies. Türkiye’s newly introduced Deposit Return System (DOA) represents a major milestone in this transformation, while also stimulating the development of a new technology ecosystem ranging from automated collection systems to digital traceability solutions.
A New Era in Recycling with the DOA System
Under the coordination of the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, consumers will begin receiving financial incentives as of July 1, 2026, for returning plastic, glass and aluminum beverage containers bearing the DOA logo. The system is expected to generate an annual economic contribution of approximately TRY 30 billion, while supporting energy savings and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Similar to long-established deposit return systems across Europe, automated reverse vending machines are planned to become widely available in supermarket chains and public spaces throughout Türkiye. This expansion is creating a significant new market for environmental technologies and related services.
Today, smart collection systems extend far beyond conventional reverse vending machines. Sensor technologies, automation, digital traceability, AI-powered data management and advanced recycling equipment are among the key technology areas driving innovation within the sector.
“A New Ecosystem is Emerging in Environmental Technologies”
Commenting on the growing impact of deposit return systems, Namık Sarıgöl, Exhibitions Manager of EKO Fair organizer of IFAT Eurasia, said:
“We are witnessing the emergence of an entirely new ecosystem that goes far beyond recycling itself. Smart collection systems, automation, sensor technologies, digital traceability and data management are becoming integral components of the environmental technologies industry. This transformation will create substantial business opportunities across the sector.
As we continue to observe, environmental technologies are becoming increasingly strategic. Access to innovative technologies, expanding into international markets, establishing new business partnerships and keeping pace with technological transformation are essential for companies seeking sustainable growth. As IFAT Eurasia, we will continue to serve as the international meeting point for this evolving ecosystem.”
Sarıgöl also emphasized that the DOA system will become increasingly visible in everyday life and is expected to support growth across multiple segments of the environmental technologies industry, particularly through public policies and local government initiatives.
IFAT Eurasia 2027: The International Meeting Point for the Industry
Reflecting this vision, IFAT Eurasia 2025 welcomed 240 exhibiting companies from 14 countries, representing 375 brands, with an international exhibitor ratio of 41%. The exhibition attracted nearly 10,000 industry professionals from 74 countries and was held across 28,800 square metres of exhibition space, bringing together environmental technology professionals from Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia and many other regions in Istanbul.
IFAT Eurasia – Eurasia’s Leading Trade Fair for Environmental Technologies will once again bring together the global environmental technologies industry on May 5–7, 2027, at the Istanbul Yenikapı Avrasya Show and Art Center.
For companies operating across the rapidly expanding ecosystem of deposit return systems, digital environmental solutions and related technologies, IFAT Eurasia 2027 will provide valuable opportunities to enter new markets, establish international partnerships and become part of the ongoing transformation shaping the future of environmental technologies.