NEWS | Industry Updates
The latest update confirms expanded exemption criteria, giving
more flexibility to smaller retailers. Stores under 100m² in urban areas remain automatically exempt, while those between 100 - 199m² (urban) and under 200m² (rural) will be able to apply for exemptions. Additional grounds – such as proximity to other return points, site constraints, or heritage restrictions – will also be considered, subject to approval and local coverage requirements. Alongside this, Exchange For Change has confirmed £60 million
in grant funding to support up to 10,000 small independent retailers with the installation of reverse vending machines (RVMs). Eligible retailers can receive £6,000 per site, paid in three annual instalments, to help meet upfront costs. These announcements build on the earlier introduction of the
Return Handling Fee, which sets out how retailers will be paid for taking back containers. The RHF is tiered to reflect different operating models: • 3p per container for manual return points • 5p per container for the first 225,000 containers returned via RVMs • 1.3p per container for volumes above that level The fee is designed to help cover costs such as equipment, staff time and store space, and will be reviewed before launch and annually thereafter. Overall, the combined approach of fees, grants and expanded
Exchange For Change has announced a further package of measures to support retailers ahead of the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) launch in October 2027, following recent confirmation of the scheme’s Return Handling Fee (RHF).
exemptions is intended to give retailers clearer choices on whether to participate in the scheme and how, while ensuring a comprehensive and accessible UK-wide return network. More information about the upcoming DRS can be found on
https://exchangeforchange.co.uk/
CHAICO brings authentic Iced Karak Chai to the UK Vending Market through Westo Direct Wholesale
The UK vending sector continues to evolve as consumers seek more adventurous, premium beverage choices beyond traditional soft drinks and coffee. Responding to this growing demand, Westo Direct Wholesale has announced the availability of CHAICO Iced Karak Chai RTD, offering vending operators a distinctive new ready-to-drink option inspired by one of the world’s most celebrated tea traditions. Rooted in the rich heritage of Karak Chai,
CHAICO combines the familiar comfort of brewed tea with carefully balanced spices and a smooth, refreshing finish, delivering an authentic drinking experience in a convenient ready-to-drink format. As demand for globally inspired flavours continues to grow across convenience retail and foodservice, the product presents vending operators with an opportunity to diversify their beverage offering and appeal to a broader consumer base. Whether located in offices, universities, hospitals, transport hubs, leisure centres or travel locations, modern vending machines
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are increasingly expected to provide consumers with greater choice. CHAICO answers that demand by introducing a premium tea-based beverage that offers something genuinely different from the traditional vending range. Joe Thomas, UK & international sales
director at Westo Direct Wholesale, commented: “Consumers today are looking for products that deliver both quality and authenticity. CHAICO is exactly that. It introduces an internationally recognised flavour profile to the UK vending market in a convenient ready-to-drink format, giving operators the opportunity to differentiate their machines and offer customers something beyond the expected.” The launch reflects Westo Direct Wholesale’s continued commitment to introducing innovative and emerging beverage brands to multiple UK routes to market, including vending, convenience, wholesale, foodservice and leisure. By working closely with both established and challenger brands, the company continues to help bring new products to market
while supporting operators with access to commercially attractive and category- expanding lines. With premiumisation, international flavours and consumer curiosity continuing to shape purchasing decisions, CHAICO Iced Karak Chai RTD arrives at an ideal time for vending operators looking to enhance their range with products that stand out. CHAICO Iced Karak Chai RTD is now available to vending operators nationwide through Westo Direct Wholesale.
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