The Welsh Government has confirmed plans to include single‑use glass in its new deposit return scheme (DRS), prompting leading industry bodies to warn this move may undermine efforts to trial glass reuse and impede wider circular economy goals in Wales.

Industry groups reject glass inclusion in DRS

The British Retail Consortium (BRC), British Soft Drinks Association (BSDA) and Natural Source Water Association (NSWA) jointly expressed serious concerns.

had offered to partner on an evidence‑led glass reuse pilot alongside a UK‑wide scheme limited to plastic and metal containers.

Instead, the Welsh Government’s decision to include single‑use glass immediately has made that proposal “unviable”. According to the group:

“Industry simply cannot justify investing in innovation while also absorbing the high, sunken costs of a legacy system that is unlikely to improve glass recycling rates.”

They stressed that large‑scale inclusion of glass may lead producers to switch to alternative materials, making future glass reuse initiatives harder to deliver.

Context of Wales circular economy and DRS timeline

Wales aims to launch its DRS alongside England, Scotland and Northern Ireland by October 2027, with the Welsh scheme notably including glass whereas other UK nations plan to exclude it.

The Welsh Government argues glass inclusion is essential to delivering a reuse‑ready system that aligns with its circular economy strategy and environmental commitments.

An expert in regulatory law from Pinsent Masons highlighted that businesses spanning borders will face operational complexity due to differing rules.

A phased implementation may help, but clarity is still needed on how glass will be managed practically within Wales and across the rest of the UK.

Potential impact on glass reuse trial and industry

With the rejected proposal for a glass reuse pilot, industry groups say government guidance offers little clarity on overcoming the challenges. They foresee escalating packaging costs, which could deter businesses from bottling in glass altogether.

The collective statement warned that the decision not only risks loss of a reuse opportunity but could also entrench a legacy system unlikely to boost recycling rates.

The industry remains open to collaboration, emphasising that a large‑scale reuse trial must be integrated into a realistic UK‑wide deposit return scheme to avoid fragmentation and undue cost burdens.

Implications for UK supply chains and future policy

Separate DRS models across the UK are expected to add complexity for retailers and producers operating in multiple nations. Wales’ insistence on glass reuse diverges significantly from the UK-wide model, raising concerns over supply chain alignment and consistency.

Businesses may need to operate dual systems for Welsh and non‑Welsh markets.

Industry experts and retail bodies continue to call on the Welsh Government to align its deposit return approach with the rest of the UK, or at least support a hybrid model whereby glass reuse trials proceed alongside the broader UK DRS.

With Wales reviewing its circular economy strategy in 2026, stakeholders hope clarity and compromise may still be possible before full implementation.

The inclusion of glass in Wales’ deposit return scheme has sparked debate over the best way to deliver a reuse‑enabled system. Industry groups argue that without alignment and clarity, the opportunity to pioneer glass reuse may be lost.