In response to concerns raised by various businesses, including distillers and the hospitality sector, the UK government has announced a temporary exclusion for PET plastic, aluminium, and steel cans from Scotland’s Deposit Return Scheme (DRS). Driven by considerations of consumer choice and trade, the government deemed a permanent divergence regarding glass unnecessary, costly, and inconvenient for both traders and consumers based on insufficient supportable justifications. The Scottish Wholesale Association welcomed this decision, noting that glass inclusion had been the primary point of difference between the Scottish and English schemes. Additionally, clarity across home nations on DRS implementation is required for local shops and supply chain partners to prepare effectively.
Scotland’s first minister Humza Yousaf criticized the UK government’s decision, noting that the exclusion of glass from the DRS will have serious environmental consequences. According to Yousaf, “If we don’t include glass, that’s 600 million bottles that won’t be removed from our streets, our beaches, and our parks.” While the UK government’s late decision was disrespectful to businesses that have been waiting for confirmation, the Scottish and UK governments must work together to ensure that the Scottish DRS can go live smoothly next spring and the UK-wide schemes can work as seamlessly as possible in the future.
Chief executive James Lowman of ACS expressed support for the introduction of deposit return schemes across the UK; however, Lowman also stressed the importance of clarity from governments across the UK on how they plan to implement DRS, as uncertainty makes it challenging for local shops and our supply chain partners to prepare. An aligned introduction of DRS across the UK would be the best outcome for local shops and supply chain partners.