The Welsh government will be allowed to launch a deposit return scheme (DRS) including glass after a long-awaited decision from Westminster announced yesterday.
Reaction has been flooding in from the industry and here The Grocer gives a round-up.
Exchange for Change (UK DMO):
“As we work towards our October 2027 launch date, we welcome the clarity provided today by the Welsh government’s statement which sets out a clear path for Wales to proceed with its deposit return scheme. This paves the way for an interoperable approach across the UK, which industry has consistently said is essential for a scheme that works in practice.
“Exchange for Change is working to deliver the DRS for England, Scotland and Northern Ireland and we are pleased to have been able to submit an application to operate the scheme in Wales too. We look forward to working constructively with the Welsh government as it considers our application, and to discuss how we can deliver against their ambitions as part of its formal appointment process.
“Our work on the set-up of the DRS across the rest of the UK continues at pace, having recently announced our trading name and the logo that will be used.”
Andrew Opie, director of food and sustainability at the BRC:
“The clarity given today on the Welsh DRS by the UK government under the Internal Markets Act is long-awaited and welcome, and we are pleased Wales will align their scheme on PET and cans with the rest of the UK.
“However, significant challenges and uncertainty remain around proposals to include single-use glass without a deposit, which will add costs and create potential fraud risks, without clear environmental benefit. We will continue to work with the Welsh government to resolve these issues and explore more effective alternatives.
“In the meantime, it is vital the Welsh government appoints a deposit management organisation as soon as possible to provide certainty for the industry.”
James Bielby, CEO, Food & Drink Wholesale UK:
“Alignment with the rest of the UK on PET and aluminium from October 2027 is welcomed, but the inclusion of glass in Wales from 2031 creates confusion and will reduce consumer choice. It will create trading borders within the UK, increase costs, and damage the profitability of businesses working across the borders.
“Wholesalers operating in both England and Wales will need to segregate stock, which will require a significant increase in warehouse space, and investment in processes.
“Alongside this, retailers in Wales will have to invest in a more expensive Reverse Vending Machine for use from October 2027, which keeps glass containers intact, to be ready to accommodate glass from 2031. Those who cannot make this investment will be required to take back glass manually, with health and safety risks, as well as being put at a competitive disadvantage against those retailers who will be able to invest to appropriate RVMs – typically large supermarkets.”
Travis Way, managing director at EcoVend:
“We welcome the UK government’s decision to give Wales the green light on the inclusion of glass in its deposit return scheme, providing businesses with the time needed to prepare for full implementation by 2031.
“Clearer guidance on the scheme’s design and integration with the wider UK system will be crucial for drinks producers and retailers as they plan for October 2027. By supporting the safe and efficient return of glass alongside plastics and metals, the Welsh scheme has the opportunity to set a benchmark for how deposit return systems can work efficiently for businesses and be easy for consumers to use.
“Deposit return schemes are key to a circular economy, helping reduce litter and recover valuable materials. This confirmation is a major step for Wales in turning more materials into reusable resources and creating cleaner streets and public spaces.”
The Natural Source Waters Association:
“Our members have long supported a deposit return scheme for drinks containers, and we have dedicated significant time and resource to making it a reality.
“The decision of the UK government on Wales’s application for an exemption for aspects of their scheme under UKIMA gives much-needed clarity on what we, alongside others across industry, are working hard to launch in October 2027. We urge all of the UK governments to continue to work with us to deliver this important step as part of creating a low‑carbon, circular future across the UK.”
Elise Lavender, Senedd parliamentary officer at the Marine Conservation Society:
“We’re delighted to see Wales able to move ahead with their deposit return scheme which will include metal cans, plastic and glass bottles. Littered drinks containers were found on 99% of Welsh beaches surveyed in 2024, with glass found on nearly half of them.
“We encourage members of the Senedd to vote through the regulations for the sake of our beautiful Welsh seas and beaches.”
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