Exchange for Change, the not-for-profit, industry-led organisation delivering the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, today (April 17) published its material specification for drinks containers included in the scheme.
Designed to support efficient recycling and high-quality material recovery, the specification, available to read in full here, sets out the criteria for packaging to be accepted by Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) as part of the scheme.
The specification gives producers clarity on any packaging changes that are required ahead of the scheme going live from October 2027.
It covers drinks containers made from PET plastic, aluminium and steel, ranging in size from 150ml to 3 litres, and outlines specific requirements for barcodes and product identification to ensure containers can be efficiently processed through RVMs and across the wider collection network.
Producers must register products in advance of October 2027, with clear timelines set out to support onboarding and testing where required. The specification also identifies low-volume product exemption, which is designed to reduce the impact on small producers.
Russell Davies, CEO of Exchange for Change, said: “The publication of our material specification is a milestone in providing producers with the clarity they need to prepare for the Deposit Return Scheme.
"It sets out in practical terms how packaging should be labelled so it can work effectively within the system from day one.
“Our focus is on making sure businesses have the time, certainty and support they need. By publishing this guidance now, we’re helping producers plan ahead, align packaging changes with their existing cycles and avoid unnecessary disruption as we move towards launch.
“This is part of our wider work to support industry readiness for the deposit return scheme’s launch in October next year. We will continue to provide further detail, guidance and engagement opportunities as the scheme develops.”
The full guide is available to download here from the Exchange for Change website, along with supporting resources to help producers understand and implement the requirements.