The UK Deposit Management Organisation (UK DMO), the not-for-profit body delivering the upcoming Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, has unveiled its trading name - Exchange for Change.
The announcement marks another important milestone in the delivery of the UK’s DRS, which will go live in October 2027. Exchange for Change “reflects the scheme’s core purpose,” it said, offering a simple exchange where people return their empty drinks containers to reclaim their deposit, and the wider impact that simple action has in reducing litter and keeping communities clean.
As part of this next phase, Exchange for Change has unveiled a new brand icon (left) that will appear on all in-scope bottles, cans and return points associated with the DRS. It has been designed to become the single, recognisable identifier of the scheme, making it easy for people to spot participating containers and return locations at a glance.
The new “consistent visual marker” will support correct participation at the point of return and enable clear, unified messaging across packaging and infrastructure. The icon represents the deposit return process and works consistently across the full range of drinks containers covered by the scheme.
Exchange for Change will work closely with drinks producers, retailers, wholesalers and hospitality to support the adoption of the scheme logo on labels and packaging. Formal issuance of the scheme logo and detailed guidance on how and when to apply it - including placement, sizing and approved formats - will be shared in the coming weeks, giving businesses time to prepare artwork updates ahead of the scheme’s introduction.
Under the regulations, the logo will be a required part of container design for drinks included in the scheme (PET plastic, aluminium and steel, 150ml-3l), helping customers recognise in-scope items and understand how to return them.
Russell Davies, CEO at Exchange for Change, said: “Our new name reflects what this scheme is about - making a simple change that has the power to transform streets, communities and recycling habits across the UK. The brand icon is intended to become synonymous with the scheme itself, providing a consistent visual cue that supports participation and helps drive cleaner streets and communities.
“We’re excited to take this next step and will keep working closely with partners across the UK, supporting them in preparing for the launch…”
“We’re excited to take this next step and will keep working closely with partners across the UK, supporting them in preparing for the launch of the scheme and making sure that together we deliver real change and a scheme that works for everyone.”
Also commenting on the announcement, Travis Way, managing director at reverse vending machine company Ecovend, said: “Public engagement will be one of the defining factors in whether the UK’s DRS succeeds, so giving it a clear, consumer-friendly identity is a significant and welcome step. A scheme like DRS only works when consumers, producers and retailers are all aligned, and consistency in naming, branding and messaging will be critical to driving participation at scale.
“There’s no doubt DRS represents a major adjustment - behaviourally for consumers and operationally for producers and retailers - but a joined-up approach that prioritises clarity and simplicity will help make that transition smoother. The commercial opportunities are substantial, and the circular economy benefits are even greater.”
Elise Seibold, chief operating officer at Suntory beverage and food for GB&I, also added: “We welcome this new identity, communicating the simple act of returning drinks containers for a deposit to help drive real environmental change.
“Ahead of the October 2027 launch date, we’re committed to working collaboratively to deliver a UK scheme that works for everyone – drinks producers, consumers, retailers and wholesalers alike. Together, we can create a scheme that reduces litter, bolsters recycling efforts and shapes a more circular economy for our drinks containers.”
Sarah Horner, director at circular economy non-profit group Reloop, added: “We welcome the announcement of the new Exchange for Change brand identity, an important milestone towards delivering the UK’s DRS.
“More than 55 countries and regions across the world operate successful schemes, and we’re now excitingly close to launch of the long-awaited scheme in England, Northern Ireland and Scotland.”
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