Case study · Dansk Retursystem
A future-proof data foundation for Denmark’s deposit system
The most fundamental thing I can say about Struct PIM 4 is that it’s future-proof. It feels like we’ve built something that creates the foundation for so much more.
About Dansk Retursystem
Dansk Retursystem runs Denmark’s deposit-return scheme — one of the world’s most effective circular systems for beverage packaging.
A non-profit monopoly, it registers, collects, and recycles bottles and cans on behalf of everyone who markets beverages in Denmark — from Carlsberg and Royal Unibrew to a single kiosk importing drinks from abroad.
Between 2,000 and 2,500 producers and importers register their packaging with Dansk Retursystem, which collects from around 40,000 stores and return points across the country.
01The challenge
For 25 years, Dansk Retursystem ran on a single ageing ERP system.
When deposits were extended to juice and fruit drinks in 2019, the team had very little time to bring everyone into the system — and the legacy setup was not built for that pace.
We’d been building on the same ERP system for 25 years. A finance system that suddenly became a PIM, that suddenly became a CRM. At some point it would reach end of life.
Christian Paw Kallehave-Rolland, Senior Market Consultant · Dansk Retursystem
02The solution
Dansk Retursystem went to tender for a best-of-breed, SaaS-based platform. Five suppliers responded; Struct, together with implementation partner Impact, won.
It was very much based on trust. They challenged us — “Struct can do this in a smarter way, could you consider that?” There’s very little distance from idea to action.
Christian Paw Kallehave-Rolland, Senior Market Consultant · Dansk Retursystem
The project was as much organizational change as it was a system change. Within about a year, the team went live — in March — with a producer portal where Struct is the backend controlling the entire product-lifecycle workflow.
Automation and a large set of business rules now enrich the data and drive the workflow, guiding each producer through every step.
A circular business
Packaging data drives how every bottle and can is sorted, recycled, and refunded — and more than 99% of the raw material in aluminium cans is recovered.
03The results
A future-proof foundation for the data behind Denmark’s deposit system. Key improvements include:
A future-proof, scalable platform
A step-change in data quality
Faster, smoother processes
A self-service producer portal
Ready for legislation and AI
Willingness to collaborate, closeness, and honesty. There’s very little distance from idea to action — everything feels close, personal, and accessible.
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