Heineken urges full interoperability in upcoming UK deposit return schemes

UK – Heineken UK has stressed the need for upcoming Deposit Return Schemes (DRS) across the UK to deliver on promises of interoperability, warning that failures could create market barriers, particularly along the Wales-England border.

During a House of Lords roundtable discussion hosted by reverse vending machine manufacturer CMB RVM Solutions, Guy Mason, head of public affairs and responsibility at Heineken UK, emphasized the requirement for a seamless system nationwide.

He explained that consumers should be able to buy a product anywhere, pay the deposit, and redeem it easily, whether on the same day or later, regardless of location, such as during holidays in Wales or Scotland.

Mason highlighted challenges from the porous border between Wales and England, where people frequently cross for work or daily activities. 

He stated that the system must function effectively for both consumers and producers supplying into Wales. 

A lack of proper planning could lead suppliers to reconsider providing goods to Wales if managing different systems becomes too complex, something no party desires.

The discussion gathered industry representatives, politicians, and peers to address technology and policy issues for widespread DRS adoption, ahead of appointing a UK Deposit Management Organisation next year. 

Andrew Truelove, senior vice president at CMB RVM Solutions, pointed to successful European DRS examples that could guide effective implementations here.

All UK nations plan to launch DRS from October 2027 for single-use drink containers like metal cans and plastic bottles, allowing consumers to reclaim deposits to encourage recycling. 

Wales intends to include glass containers, unlike the shared scheme for England and Northern Ireland, or Scotland’s approach, though authorities commit to interoperability.

Liberal Democrat MP David Chadwick raised business worries in Wales about the unique inclusion of glass, noting potential disruptions if interoperability falls short. 

This could prompt some operators to switch from glass to other materials, possibly lowering recycling rates.

Edward Woodall, government relations director at the Association of Convenience Stores, called for early national talks on infrastructure coverage, including suitable machines for smaller retailers. 

He stressed needs for reliable, quick-to-maintain systems considering space, costs, and container volumes. Woodall also noted low awareness among smaller retailers and consumers about the changes.

In a previous statement, Fraser McIntosh, head of external affairs and sustainability at Suntory Beverage and Food GB&I, urged mandating full interoperability from the start if a single system proves unfeasible, to avoid consumer confusion and material flow issues. 

He advised the Welsh Government to rethink including reusable glass to prevent added complexity and costs.

Meanwhile,  a not-for-profit, industry-led UK Deposit Management Organisation has been designated to operate the DRS for single-use plastic and metal containers in England, Northern Ireland, and Scotland, with government collaboration on infrastructure.

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