Former FareShare chair and Associated British Foods finance boss John Bason is the first chairman of the UK’s deposit return scheme management body.
The industry veteran’s appointment was announced today by the UK Deposit Management Organisation (UK DMO), the business-led not-for-profit organisation tasked with designing, delivering and operating the new deposit return scheme for single-use plastic and metal drinks containers.
The body will oversee the planned launch of DRS in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and England in October 2027, and is currently locked in talks with the Welsh government over its plans .
The body continues the search for its first CEO.
Bason was ABF finance director for more than two decades, from May 1999 until April 2023.
He has held senior roles at United Biscuits, global distribution company Bunzl, and the global foodservice business Compass Group.
Bason stepped down as chair of distribution charity FareShare in April after 13 years, during which he oversaw its expansion to become the UK’s leading charity tackling food waste by redirecting surplus food from retailers and producers to frontline charities.
“The deposit return scheme is an opportunity to deliver a transformational change in the UK’s circular economy for these drinks containers,” he said.
“Having worked in markets across the world, I’ve seen first-hand the positive impact that such schemes can have.
“However, it is also a complex and challenging undertaking that will only be effective if it is easy for consumers to use, fair for retailers and producers of every size, and trusted by the public. That’s why I will be focused on ensuring that the views and insights of as many people as possible inform how we build the scheme.
“I’ve been impressed by the commitment and deep experience of my colleagues who have already been appointed at UK DMO, and I share their determination to build a scheme that works for everyone. Our goal is clear: bring business and consumers together to prevent billions of bottles and cans from littering our streets, seas and countryside, whilst cutting carbon emissions in the process.”
Circular economy minister Mary Creagh welcomed the progress the UK DMO is making, as well as ”their close collaboration with retailers, consumer groups and drinks producers”. She described the appointment of John Bason as chair as a “key milestone”, adding that she looked forward to ”working closely with John and the team to deliver the deposit return scheme, which will stop the avalanche of rubbish that is filling up our streets and rivers, while kick-starting economic growth and creating new green jobs.”
BSDA director general Gavin Partington said: “We warmly welcome this appointment and look forward to working with John and his team and playing our part in ensuring successful delivery of a DRS by October 2027.”
Naomi Brandon-Bravo, sustainability policy adviser at the BRC, added: “His experience in retail will be invaluable as we work together to ensure the deposit return scheme delivers real environmental benefits for consumers.
“There is significant work to be done, and we look forward to continuing to engage constructively and at pace with the DMO to help make DRS a success.”
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