Minister confirms DRS plans will stay the course
WESTMINSTER has confirmed its ongoing commitment to the delivery of the UK’s deposit return scheme by October 2027.
Answering a question posited by the Liberal Democrats, Mary Creagh, Minister for Nature, confirmed the new Labour Government would continue the ambition to deliver on its DRS promise by 2027.
Creagh said: “This Government is committed to creating a roadmap to a zero-waste economy – a future where we keep our resources in use for longer; waste is reduced; we accelerate the path to net zero, we see investment in critical infrastructure and green jobs; our economy prospers; and nature thrives.
“We are reviewing the suite of packaging reforms and are going to work with our devolved government counterparts, industry and other stakeholders to determine the next steps for the deposit return scheme. I would be happy to update the House in due course.”
The UK’s go-live date for DRS was confirmed for October 2027 earlier this year after doubts about the initial date – October 2025 – cropped up in the industry.
This reaffirmation for DRS from the Labour Government has been welcomed by industry members, with The Food and Drink Federation (FDF) praising the renewed pledge from Westminster.
Jim Bligh, director of corporate affairs and packaging at FDF, said: “It’s good to see the Government committing to putting a deposit return scheme in place as part of plans for a circular economy.
“This means that drinks containers will be able to be recycled and used again more efficiently and easily, which is good news for the environment, companies and consumers.
“It’s critical that the UK’s governments now work closely together to ensure the scheme is easy to use and understand, operating under the same rules and with the same labels across the four nations.
“A consistent, UK-wide approach is the best way to ensure value for money and to drive up the UK’s disappointing recycling rates.”
