Green areas & grey areas
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The UK government has officially committed to the October 2027 start date for its deposit return scheme (DRS), marking a much-needed step forward across the three nations of England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
150ml to three-litre single-use drinks containers made from plastic and metal are included in the scheme. New legislation has also now come into force enabling the appointment of the not-for-profit scheme administrator, known as the ‘deposit management organisation,’ in April 2025.
“The three governments will ensure the scheme is implemented effectively, working closely with businesses to provide the infrastructure and investment to make it a success,” said the UK government’s statement.
Most are hopeful and wish to agree with circular economy minister Mary Creagh’s comment that “this Government will clean up Britain and end the throwaway society.” MPMA‘s director and chief executive, and CanTech the Grand Tour 2025 keynote speaker, Jason Galley, recently expressed his confidence in the scheme:
“Bringing the scheme to this stage has been a complex, lengthy journey, with government and industry working through numerous challenges. However, through consultation, collaboration, and valuable insights from European counterparts, we now have a considered scheme that will really capitalise on the circularity and Permanent Material status of aluminium to deliver increased recycling rates and further decarbonisation.
“The next priority is ensuring interoperability across the devolved administrations of the UK. The Metal Packaging Manufacturers Association and our members remain confident that the same spirit of co-operation, innovation and adaptability that has driven progress so far will lead to a successful and seamless outcome,” he said.
Meanwhile and in less certain news, Britain may need to devise a way to spare a hit from the US as Trump waves his favourite word – tariffs – in everyone’s faces. He has already announced the imposition of 25 per cent tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico, which is a worry for US aluminium supply – according to the Aluminum Association, the US industry sources around two-thirds of its primary aluminium from Canada.
Now, the EU could be under threat too, but with the UK’s exit after Brexit, it will need to fend for itself. Trump has said that a deal “can be worked out” to spare the nation from tariffs, but many are wondering what kind of deal this is and what form it could take. Time will tell.
For the latest CanTech feature on Trump and the can making industry, click here.
- Alex Rivers (she/her), CanTech International editor
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