Government’s DRS delay announcement welcomed by retail industry

The statement included the announcement of a delay until 2027 and the omission of glass from the scheme in the UK, although the Welsh government does intend to include glass when their scheme launches.

“Launching a DRS in October 2025 was a stretching target date,” Moore said. “Following extensive engagement with industry, who will be responsible for delivering the DRS, and a review of international approaches to DRS implementation, additional time will be needed to efficiently and effectively roll out the schemes across the UK.

“With the agreement of Ministerial colleagues across the devolved administrations, the DRS will go live in October 2027.

“Until then, we are committed to engaging with industry and working with a Deposit Management Organisation candidate(s) to finalise the next steps towards DRS implementation.”

In response, Andrew Opie, director of food and Sustainability at the BRC, said: “We welcome the Government’s clarity around the timeline of a future Deposit Return Scheme (DRS). Retailers will need at least 24 months to implement a multi-billion pound DRS scheme, and the government must now engage closely with the industry to ensure all details are fully ironed out ahead of the proposed 2027 start date.

“We are disappointed by the decision by Welsh Government to keep glass in the scheme, adding significant costs and putting it at odds with the systems in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

“It is vital that the DRS scheme is aligned as far as possible across the UK to keep business costs down and maximise the benefit for consumers, while allowing clear messaging across the whole of the UK about how the scheme will function.”

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has welcomed confirmation that the introduction of deposit return schemes in the UK will be pushed back to October 2027, subject to agreement from the devolved administrations.

ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “We welcome this clarification from the Government on the introduction of DRS. It’s essential that the scheme is given every opportunity to succeed, which involves as much alignment as possible between UK nations, the strategic mapping of sustainable return points, and the creation of the Deposit Management Organisation (DMO).

“We will continue to work with our members on how they can engage with the scheme.”

“Given the new timescales for the introduction of the scheme, we now have more capacity to get the details right. We urge the Welsh government to align its scheme with the rest of the UK and exclude glass.”

Sarah Baldwin, chief executive at Purity Soft Drinks and a board member of the British Soft Drinks Association, said: “We remain supportive of the government’s commitment to introducing a DRS, and while the delay is disappointing, we also understand the need for a measured approach to timeframes – allowing for appropriate consideration for the significant amount of work the scheme requires.

“More than 40 countries have successfully implemented a DRS, with the best designed seeing return rates of up to 98% as a result. So, we know it can work.

“To avoid any further delays, close communication and consultation is vital.

“All stakeholders – governments, suppliers and retailers – need to work together to align on the specifics as soon as possible.

“Only then can we press forward with trials and implementation, and start the education piece with consumers.”