UK independent breweries call for delay to recycling schemes

The Society of Independent Brewers and Associates (SIBA) has called for a delay in the implementation of the UK’s Deposit Return Schemes (DRS), which are currently scheduled for October 2027. Representing approximately 700 small independent breweries, SIBA argues that producers require 18 to 24 months from the point of meaningful decision-making to successfully implement the new recycling initiative.

Industry representatives expressed concern regarding a potential “Scottish style meltdown,” referencing the 2023 collapse of the Scottish DRS due to inconsistent rules and timelines across the UK. Much of the current uncertainty stems from the Welsh Government’s failure to appoint a Deposit Management Organisation (DMO) or provide guidance on its specific glass recycling scheme.

Unlike the rest of the UK, which is focusing on plastic bottles and cans, Wales intends to include glass in its scheme. However, a lack of clarity on how this will interact with the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme has raised fears of double taxation for small breweries. SIBA chief executive Andy Slee stated that the industry seeks a DRS with uniform scope and rules across the UK to ensure functionality for all producers and consumers.