Exchange for Change to lead rollout of UK deposit return scheme
The UK Deposit Management Organisation (UK DMO) has officially transitioned to its new trading identity, Exchange for Change, marking a pivotal step in the countdown to the UK’s deposit return scheme (DRS).
The industry-led, not-for-profit body — responsible for designing and managing the scheme across England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland — unveiled the new name and a universal brand icon this week. The scheme is currently on track to go live in October 2027.
The new identity was chosen to distil the complexities of the national recycling initiative into a clear, dual-purpose message. According to the organisation, the name reflects the “straightforward transaction” at the heart of the scheme: consumers exchange an empty container to reclaim their deposit, a simple act that collectively fuels “meaningful environmental change” by reducing litter and improving community cleanliness.
The rebranding effort was developed in partnership with Uncommon Creative Studio, the global agency tasked with creating a brand that resonates with both industry stakeholders and the general public.
Central to the announcement is the unveiling of a new brand icon. This visual marker is designed to be the single, recognisable identifier for the scheme, appearing on every in-scope bottle, can, and return point.
For food and drink manufacturers, the icon is more than just a logo — it is a regulatory requirement. It will be mandatory for all containers included in the scheme, specifically PET plastic, aluminium, and steel plus containers ranging from 150ml to 3L.
The icon serves as a visual cue to help consumers instantly identify which items are “in-scope” and where they can be returned, ensuring high participation rates from day one.
Exchange for Change has committed to working closely with producers, retailers, wholesalers, and the hospitality sector to facilitate the rollout. In the coming weeks, the organisation will issue formal guidance on the logo’s application, including specific placement, sizing, and approved formats. This early transparency is intended to give businesses ample time to update packaging artwork and production lines before the 2027 deadline.
“Our new name reflects what this scheme is about: making a simple change that has the power to transform streets, communities, and recycling habits across the UK,” said Russell Davies, CEO of Exchange for Change. “The brand icon is intended to become synonymous with the scheme itself, providing a consistent visual cue that supports participation.”
As the UK moves toward a more circular economy, the transition from a back-end management organisation (DMO) to a public-facing brand (Exchange for Change) signals that the infrastructure for one of the country’s largest environmental shifts is officially taking shape.
