Starting package

Industry has reacted to the news that the UK Deposit Management Organisation (UK DMO) being appointed as the operator of the new Deposit Return Schemes in England, Northern Ireland and Scotland.

The UK DMO is responsible for designing and operating the systems that make the scheme work, including producer registration, logistics, finance, fraud prevention and public communications.

The appointment has been made by the UK Government and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs of Northern Ireland (DAERA), and Scottish Ministers have also decided that the UK DMO should be designated as the DRS scheme administrator.

Alice Rackley, CEO of Polytag, in response to the UK government’s appointment of the Deposit Management Organisation (DMO); a long-anticipated development in the rollout of a DRS scheme.

Polytag trialled the world-first digital DRS scheme with Ocado last year to increase recyclability of the retailer’s milk bottles.

Alice Rackley, CEO of Polytag says: “The appointment of the Deposit Management Organisation (DMO) is a positive and much-needed step forward for the UK’s Deposit Return Scheme (DRS). It’s certainly encouraging to see momentum returning and some real progress being made towards something that we know will deliver clear environmental and economic benefits across the UK – the unified system we’ve been waiting for.

“With the announcement of a board made up of digital-focussed organisations such as Co-op, Tesco and Coca-Cola, it’s clear we are on the path towards a flexible, accessible model that can include a digital component. These organisations have already demonstrated a strong interest in digital solutions, with Coca-Cola using serialised codes for traceability in other global markets and Co-op recently supported our industry-led letter to government calling for a digital DRS approach. Combined with the support from the major retailers and brands we work with, the direction of travel is undeniable, and the industry should take a positive stance. Things are moving forwards, and the foundation is being laid for a DRS, with digital in mind, that is fit for purpose.

“Furthermore, this move offers a potential path towards resolving the current challenge around Wales’ involvement and this moment could serve as the bridge for renewed cooperation and progress.

“From Polytag’s point of view, as the world moves increasingly towards digital solutions, GS1 standards will be essential. As a GS1-approved partner working closely with global standards organisations, we are ready to support brands and the DMO in delivering a system that is interoperable across the UK, grounded in real-world data and that is built to last. We just hope this doesn’t follow the same path as EPR, where momentum has stalled and funding won’t deliver real recycling benefits until well into the next decade.

“There is a real opportunity to ensure that money raised goes directly into improving recycling system and we’re optimistic that this new structure can make that happen. So, let’s get on with it!”commentary from Tom Giddings, executive director at aluminium packaging recycling organisation Alupro, on the UK Deposit Management Organisation (DMO) being appointed as the operator of the new Deposit Return Schemes (DRS) for single-use plastic and metal drinks containers in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland: “The DMO appointment is a great next step towards the operational launch of DRS in the UK. DRS presents a great opportunity to capitalise on the progress industry has made so far in increasing beverage can recycling rates through programmes such as Every Can Counts, whilst securing a high-quality stream of valuable aluminium material for recycling.

Alupro look forward to working alongside the DMO to scale and deliver a UK-focussed DRS that helps to increase the capture and recycling rates of beverage packaging.”

Rodney Jack, editor, Food & Drink Technology.

Keep in touch via email: [email protected] Twitter: @foodanddrinktec or LinkedIn: Food & Drink Technology magazine.