Cross party parliamentarians, retailers and drinks firms took part in an expert debate on Britain’s deposit return scheme this week.  

The event was organised by CMB RVM Solutions who exhibited their new portable reverse vending machine for the first time at the House of Lords.  

The reverse vending machine (RVM) is specially designed to help small shops enable consumers to redeem a deposit when they have returned their used drinks containers.  

The panel discussion featured insights from the Association of Convenience Stores Government Affairs Director Edward Woodall, Heineken UK Head of Public Affairs Guy Mason, Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick, and Shadow Welsh Minister David Chadwick MP.  

The discussion focused on how retailers, drinks companies and policymakers can prepare logistically for the introduction of the deposit return scheme in 2027.  

CMB RVM Solutions is a new RVM initiative of three companies led by CMbE (Crown) and supported by Returmatic Solutions and Pure Recycle, offering customised deposit return scheme solutions for cities as well as rural areas.  

The RVMs take back empty plastic bottles and aluminium and steel cans then return a small deposit to consumers.

CMB RVM Solutions offers a wide range of innovative RVMs ranging from ‘mini’, ‘large’, ‘extra-large’ and even mobile solutions.  

Andrew Truelove, Director of CMB RVM Solutions, said: “We want to help Britain’s great retailers play their full part in the deposit return scheme. 

“Our mission is simple. To support the UK’s DRS rollout with the most modern British-made RVMs that enable a full circular lifecycle—where aluminium cans and PET bottles are produced, consumed, collected, and recycled entirely within the UK.

“It was an honour to sit alongside a panel of experts in the grand setting of the House of Lords to discuss how we can fulfil the true potential of the DRS. 

“We look forward to working with retailers and brand-owners across the country in 2026 and beyond.”