Glass inclusion in DRS in Wales criticised by FWD

The announcement that the Deposit Return Scheme in Wales will include glass from 2013 has been criticised by the FWD.

The scheme in Wales will be launched in October 2027 for PET and aluminium, with glass included from 2031. Wales has secured an exclusion from the UK Internal Market Act to allow this divergence.

James Bielby, CEO of Food & Drink Wholesale UK (FWD), said: “Alignment with the rest of the UK on PET and aluminium from October 2027 is welcomed, but the inclusion of glass in Wales from 2031 creates confusion and will reduce consumer choice.

“It will create trading borders within the UK, increase costs, and damage the profitability of businesses working across the borders.

“Wholesalers operating in both England and Wales will need to segregate stock, which will require a significant increase in warehouse space, and investment in processes.

Alongside this, retailers in Wales will have to invest in a more expensive reverse vending machines for use from October 2027, which keeps glass containers intact, to be ready to accommodate glass from 2031.

“Those who cannot make this investment will be required to take back glass manually, with health and safety risks, as well as being put at a competitive disadvantage against those retailers who will be able to invest to appropriate reverse vending machines – typically large supermarkets.”