The Natural Source Waters Association and its members have long supported a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) for drinks containers, and we have dedicated significant time and resource to making it a reality. The decision of the UK Governments on Wales’s application for an exemption for aspects of their scheme under UKIMA gives much needed clarity on what we, alongside others across industry are working hard to launch in October 2027. We urge all of the UK Governments to continue to work with us to deliver this important step as part of creating a low‑carbon, circular future across the UK.
You can find the Welsh Government statement on the decision below:
Written Statement: The Deposit Return Scheme for Drinks Containers (Wales) Regulations 2026