A new initiative supplying return points with made in Britain reverse vending machines (RVMs) has launched.
The RVMs are tipped to be adopted by shops across the UK as they gear up for the introduction of the UK’s deposit return scheme (DRS) for drinks containers in 2027.
CMB RVM Solutions, a partnership of three companies with a track record in RVM, is behind the launch, led by CMbE and supported by Returmatic Solutions and Pure Recycle.
The initiative is offering customised DRS solutions for cities as well as rural areas. The RVMs take back empty plastic bottles and aluminium and steel cans and then return a small deposit to consumers.
The launch coincides with the publication of an open letter, with a broad alliance of environmental advocates, parliamentarians, and conservation experts arguing that the long-delayed DRS will only work if small shops can access RVMs tailored to their needs.
The open letter’s signatories include Baroness Margaret Ritchie of Downpatrick and Joanna Ruxton MBE of Ocean Generation. The letter voices concern that current exemptions could sideline small stores in urban areas. This, the letter argues, risks creating a postcode lottery for access and undermining public confidence in the scheme before it even begins.
“Local shops are the backbone of many communities,” the letter reads. “But under the current framework, large sections of the population could be left without a practical way to return their bottles, putting convenience, and the environment, at a disadvantage.”
Set to launch in October 2027, the DRS will place a small, refundable deposit on drink containers such as plastic bottles and cans. Consumers will be able to reclaim their money by returning the containers for recycling. Ministers hope the scheme will raise recycling rates to over 90%.
However, campaigners argue that success will depend on making it easy for people to take part, not just through the big retailers, but right across the high street. Without the right infrastructure in place, many simply won’t engage.
The coalition is calling on the new Deposit Management Organisation (DMO) to prioritise support for small retailers, including funding for compact (RVMs) and the use of mobile collection units (ReturMobils – mobileRMVs) to serve areas without fixed return points.
The open letter also recommends placing RVMs in high-footfall areas such as transport hubs, hotels, sports stadiums, festivals and pubs.
Andrew Truelove, senior VP at CMBE, said, “Our Made in Britain RVMs will help shops play their full part in the DRS. The UK has a proud tradition of small shopkeeping. Independent retailers are ready to help tackle the packaging crisis, but they need the right support. If the Deposit Return Scheme is to succeed, it must be inclusive. This is our chance to build a truly circular system, but only if all retailers, big and small, are empowered to play their part.”
Signatories to the open letter include:
- Spokesman, CMB RVM Solutions
- Baroness Margaret Ritchie of Downpatrick
- Stuart McMillan MSP
- Joanna Ruxton MBE, Founder, Ocean Generation
