MPMA responds to Welsh Government laying DRS regulations

The Metal Packaging Manufacturers Association (MPMA) has said it welcomes the progress made towards implementing a UK wide Deposit Return Scheme for plastic and metal drinks containers, by the Welsh Government’s publication of regulations for Senedd approval and the UK Government’s offering of an exclusion for single-use glass bottles in Wales. Given the shared vision to increase recycling rates, boost the circular economy and reduce litter, interoperable systems across the UK are critical to success.

Jason Galley, director and chief executive of MPMA, commented: “The aluminium beverage can is the UK’s most recycled drink packaging format, playing an integral role in Deposit Return Schemes across the four nations.  

“Designing and implementing robust, interoperable schemes is a complex process with significant challenges to address and the confirmation, as soon as possible, of the Deposit Management Organisation for the Wales DRS will hopefully work to address the complexities of compliance which are to be resolved. 

“MPMA and our members will continue to work in partnership with Governments and Deposit Management Organisations to support the delivery of interoperable schemes that deliver genuine circularity outcomes across the UK. We are confident that a shared commitment for progress, pragmatism and adaptability will combine to realise successfully-functioning schemes that drive the intended public behaviour change.”

MPMA supports:

• The commitment by the Welsh Government to meet industry’s request for the aligned launch of DRS across the UK on 1 October 2027.
• The condition made in granting the exclusion for single-use glass bottles, that the Welsh Government ensures that its DRS for plastic and metal drinks containers meets key criteria for integrating with a UK-wide scheme (single registration and reporting system, reciprocal takeback of material, consistent logos, and the same deposit level).
• The proposed establishment of an implementation taskforce working in partnership with the appointed industry-led Deposit Management Organisations, to oversee interoperability and support the smooth implementation of DRS across the UK.