A new deposit return scheme (DRS) administrator for Scotland has been established with the aim of operating the initiative, which is due to come into effect next year.
Drinks producers, retailers and trade associations have teamed up to create Circularity Scotland Limited, a not-for-profit administrator. If approved by the Scottish Government, the organisation said it will seek to work with companies throughout the supply chain to help deliver the scheme.
DRS regulations passed by the Scottish Parliament last year paved the way for drinks producers and importers to nominate a scheme administrator to fulfil the DRS obligations on their behalf.
Donald McCalman, interim director of Circularity Scotland, explained, “This is an important moment in the move to deliver a Deposit Return Scheme in Scotland. We have a shared vision for a scheme that delivers truly impactful environmental benefits and contributes to a circular economy in Scotland. We’re confident that our not-for-profit company can help to operate a DRS system that works for everyone. The DRS will provide huge environmental benefits for Scotland and accelerate the Scottish Government’s commitment to achieving Net Zero carbon emissions by 2045.”
Roger White, AG Barr chief executive, commented, “Over the past year we have worked closely with fellow drinks producers in Scotland, along with other key stakeholders, to reach this important point. A correctly designed and effectively operated DRS scheme in Scotland can deliver the improvements to recycling and littering that we all seek.”
Andrea Pozzi, chief operating officer at C&C Group plc (owners of Tennent Caledonian), said, “Tennent Caledonian supports the Scottish Government’s aims around increased recycling, quality of recycling and reductions in littering that would result from the introduction of a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS). As founding members of Circularity Scotland, we are 100% committed to work with partners and all stakeholders to create an efficient, well-designed DRS for Scotland that delivers these recycling and litter objectives and supports the country’s ambitions for a more circular economy.”
Tony McElroy, Tesco’s head of packaging and food waste campaigns, said, “Tesco believes a viable DRS scheme can play an important part in making it easier for customers to recycle, and we are pleased to play our part in helping develop this. Our trials of DRS have gone well as we work to remove and reduce plastic, reuse more packaging and make sure everything we do use can be recycled.”
