Defra has appointed Alupro’s sustainability and public affairs manager Martin Hyde on a 12-month secondment as industry liaison for the UK’s upcoming deposit return scheme.
Hyde, who will take on the role in January, will help to “bridge the gap” between Defra, the packaging industry, and the industry DMO running the scheme.
Defra said Hyde would be responsible for identifying any emerging issues, and working with the DRS team to consider any areas that need government support.
It said it is planning to appoint several other part-time positions in key circular economy roles to work more closely with the industry.
The move comes with Defra hoping for an October 2027 DRS rollout across the four nations.
Hyde will return to Alupro in January that year and continue his work leading the team’s public affairs and sustainability programme.
Executive director Tom Giddings will fill his role during the period.
“The introduction of a deposit return scheme represents a generational opportunity to change the way we collect and recycle beverage containers in the UK, and is a topic that anyone who knows me will be aware I’m a strong advocate for,” Hyde said.
“While this shift is ultimately good news for the sector, policy change requires careful planning, management, and implementation to deliver maximum benefit.
“I look forward to working with Defra colleagues to bring stakeholders together; identifying common barriers, helping businesses navigate the complexities of the scheme, and implementing solutions where possible ahead of the 2027 rollout.”
Emma Bourne, director of circular economy at Defra, said: “It’s a really exciting time for the project as we move through implementation and progress delivery of the scheme. Martin’s involvement will help us continue to build confidence, reflect a deep understanding across all DRS stakeholders and facilitate a strong working relationship among delivery partners.
“This is one of many secondment opportunities we will be advertising across the work of the circular economy directorate. This reflects the importance of bringing a depth of knowledge and expertise into the team from industry as we partner up on our delivery of a circular economy.”
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