The Metal Packaging Manufacturers Association (MPMA) has welcomed the progress made towards implementing a UK wide Deposit Return Scheme for plastic and metal drinks containers by the Welsh Government.

It has published regulations for Senedd approval and the UK Government’s offering of an exclusion for single-use glass bottles in Wales. 

A key aspect of the Welsh scheme is the inclusion of glass bottles from the start, something that required and has secured an agreed exclusion from the UK Internal Market Act, as glass is not currently included in the wider UK DRS.

To support industry readiness, there will initially be a transitional period where glass containers are collected but carry a zero-pence deposit and are exempt from labelling requirements, with the full deposit charge and reuse targets introduced later.

The regulations also establish the legal framework for appointing a Deposit Management Organisation and enable the scheme to begin from 1 October 2027, alongside the rest of the UK’s deposit return schemes, while ensuring interoperability across the nations.

MPMA says given the shared vision to increase recycling rates, boost the circular economy and reduce litter, interoperable systems across the UK are critical to success.

Jason Galley, director and chief executive of MPMA, says: “The aluminium beverage can is the UK’s most recycled drink packaging format, playing an integral role in Deposit Return Schemes across the four nations.

“Designing and implementing robust, interoperable schemes is a complex process with significant challenges to address and the confirmation, as soon as possible, of the Deposit Management Organisation for the Wales DRS will hopefully work to address the complexities of compliance which are to be resolved.

“MPMA and our members will continue to work in partnership with Governments and Deposit Management Organisations to support the delivery of interoperable schemes that deliver genuine circularity outcomes across the UK. We are confident that a shared commitment for progress, pragmatism and adaptability will combine to realise successfully-functioning schemes that drive the intended public behaviour change.”