British Glass has called for clarification before the Welsh Government progresses with its proposal to include glass in a Wales-only Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) due to start in October 2027.
While the industry says it strongly supports high performing recycling and reuse systems, the current approach risks unintended consequences for consumers, businesses and the environment and is therefore asking for a pause in the legislative process.
The regulations leave key questions unanswered about how Producers will be charged between 2027 and 2031 for glass beverage container collections, particularly during the extended 0p deposit period running up to October 2031.
British Glass warns this could create substantial cost burdens and risks Producers paying twice if DRS and kerbside systems aren’t alligned.
Clarity is also needed on how the Welsh scheme will interact with packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR), when Welsh glass producers continue to pay pEPR fees - until 2027 - while other nations provide exemption for equivalent materials (plastic and aluminium) that are within scope of the DRS as soon as the regulations are passed into law.
British Glass says clarity is also needed on how the ambitious 80% return target for 2030 will be enforced, as there will be no deposit to incentivise consumers to return glass beverage packaging to returns points.
The industry is also concerned that last year’s consultation focused heavily on reuse and didn’t meaningfully seek views on the specific implications of Wales essentially acting alone. It adds that consultation responses and the Welsh Government’s response have also not yet been published.
British Glass is recommending a short pause to provide proper scrutiny, ensure a complete and transparent UK Internal Market Act (UKIMA) exclusion process, and establish a clearer assessment of costs and risks
Dr Nick Kirk (left), British Glass Federation director, said, “We fully support Wales’ ambition to improve recycling and reuse. But differing from the rest of the UK on glass without clear obligations or full consultation risks higher costs, reduced consumer choice and disruption to successful recycling systems.”
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