British Glass has submitted its response to the Welsh Government's consultation on the proposed deposit return scheme (DRS). The industry association expresses clear concerns about the planned inclusion of glass packaging and warns of negative effects on consumers, manufacturers and the UK market as a whole.
British Glass emphasises that 92 per cent of glass in Wales is already recycled via household collections. The introduction of a DRS with a planned zero pound deposit by 2030 would therefore not incentivise returns and, according to the association, would significantly increase costs for manufacturers and retailers without improving the recycling rate. The organisation also sees a risk of market fragmentation, as the plans do not match the existing or planned systems in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Criticism of cost structure and system limits
According to British Glass, unused redemption infrastructures such as reverse vending machines would lead to additional costs. As there are no unredeemed deposits with a zero pound deposit, there would also be a lack of funds to finance the system. This could lead to glass-packed products becoming more expensive in Wales and less variety being available in the shops. The association also warns of potential consumer uncertainty, particularly in the cross-border movement of goods within the UK.
Call for full impact assessment and UK-wide consultation
British Glass is calling for a comprehensive assessment of the impact before a DRS with a zero pound deposit is implemented. In addition, the Welsh Government should examine an exemption under the Internal Market Act at an early stage in order to avoid trade barriers and ensure the interoperability of all national systems. The association is also in favour of prioritising the expansion of reusable structures - particularly in the restaurant, hotel and catering sectors - before binding targets are set.
Reuse potential and EPR classification
British Glass does not see a realistic basis for domestic return and refill systems for glass drinks packaging, which is predominantly imported. Should glass nevertheless be included in the Welsh DRS, the association suggests excluding this packaging from the EPR costs in order to avoid double charges.
Federation Director Nick Kirk said the organisation was ready to help develop an effective recycling and reuse scheme, but it must be based on robust data, realistic infrastructure planning and a shared ambition between the four nations of the UK. Finally, British Glass is calling on the Welsh Government to harmonise the scope of the scheme with the other parts of the country and enable the launch of a UK-wide DRS in October 2027.
Source: British Glass
