NEWS | Industry Updates


Deposit Return Scheme – one year to go With just one year until the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) launches on 1st October 2027, businesses across the drinks supply chain are stepping up preparations for one of the biggest changes to beverage packaging in decades. The DRS is designed to increase


recycling and reduce litter by placing a 20p refundable deposit on eligible single-use drinks containers. Consumers will pay the deposit when purchasing a drink and can reclaim it by returning the empty container at a designated return point. The scheme aims to encourage more containers to be recycled and kept within a circular economy. The AVA says it is supporting these


environmental objectives and is committed to helping ensure the scheme is a success. However, the association warns that implementing DRS in vending presents challenges that differ significantly from traditional retail environments. Vending machines have limited display space, no staff assistance and often stock a mixture of products that may be both inside and outside the scope of the scheme. As the launch date approaches, the AVA has been working closely with Exchange for Change (EfC) to ensure the practical realities of vending are recognised. One key concern is pricing display requirements.


Current regulations appear to require both the product price and deposit amount to be displayed, yet the vast majority of vending machines can only display a single consumer price. Requiring separate pricing could create significant operational and cost challenges across the industry’s installed machine base. The trade association is also keen to avoid consumer confusion. Without clear national guidance, operators may adopt different approaches to communicating DRS information, creating inconsistency and reducing confidence in the scheme. Machines containing both DRS and non-DRS products make this challenge even greater. To help address these issues, AVA is


encouraging EfC to learn from successful schemes overseas, particularly the Republic of Ireland. There, consumers are directed to look for the DRS logo on eligible containers, supported by a simple, standardised notice on vending machines explaining how the scheme works. This allows consumers to identify participating products easily without requiring extensive machine modifications. AVA believes a similar approach in the UK would provide a practical solution for both operators and consumers. Standardised notices,


clear guidance for mixed-product machines and recognition that the DRS logo on the container should be the primary identifier would help create consistency across the marketplace while avoiding unnecessary costs. AVA also believes operators should be permitted to display a single total selling price, rather than separate product and deposit pricing. The next 12 months will be critical. The


broad framework of DRS is now in place, but important implementation decisions remain. By getting these details right and adopting practical, proportionate solutions, the industry can help ensure the scheme delivers its environmental benefits while remaining simple for consumers and workable for vending operators.


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28