Circularity Scotland selects RLG to set up IT infrastructure for Scottish DRS

Circularity Scotland Limited, the scheme administrator for Scotland’s Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) has selected Reverse Logistics Group (RLG) as the preferred implementation partner to deliver the IT solution to manage the scheme.

Munich-based RLG said the implementation work has already started on “what will be the most comprehensive system of its kind” just as the formal agreements are being put in place.

The group, a Reconomy Group company, has a long history of operating DRS and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) systems globally, implementing and deploying complex system rollouts in various countries, including India and Canada.

“I believe that both the expertise and the technology we can bring to this project will support Scotland in developing a successful deposit return scheme that will help the country achieve its sustainability goals,” said Patrick Wiedemann, chief executive of RLG.

“For more than 25 years, we have partnered with all stakeholders within the reverse logistics value chain, driving innovations and operating sophisticated deposit return schemes. Now with the backing of the Reconomy Group and having developed a technology that allows DRS operators to reduce costs and raise the beverage containers return rates, we believe that Scotland will benefit significantly.”

Scotland will launch the Deposit Return Scheme on 16 August 2023. It will be the first scheme in the UK to launch.

Circularity Scotland, a not-for-profit body which represents a combination of drinks producers, trade associations and retailers, was appointed as the scheme administrator by the Scottish government in 2021, with the task to ensure the scheme is rolled out successfully and operates efficiently in line with the ultimate goal to recover 90 per cent of Scotland’s single-use drinks containers.

The DRS will require consumers to pay a 20p deposit when they buy a glass bottle, can or PET plastic container. The money is then reimbursed when the empty containers are returned, contributing to a circular economy.

RLG is part of the Reconomy Group, a leading, tech-led provider of circular economy-focused services.