Launch of Deposit Return Scheme welcomed by Irish Beverage Council

The Irish Beverage Council and Drinks Ireland, the Ibec groups representing the non-alcohol and alcohol beverage industries on the Island of Ireland, have welcomed the launch of the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) in Ireland.

DRS represents a significant change in how beverage manufacturers, retailers, and consumers interact with the market. The refundable deposit placed on plastic bottles and cans, which is redeemable by consumers when they return their used products to designated points across the country, aims to establish a 'closed-loop' recycling system, allowing the returned material to be recycled into new drinks containers.

It is a producer-funded and producer-led initiative designed to increase Ireland’s recycling rates and promote circularity.

Under the EU’s Single Use Plastics Directive, Ireland will need to ensure 77 per cent of our beverage containers are separately collected and recycled by 2025, rising to 90 per cent by 2029.

Robert Kiernan, Director of the Irish Beverage Council, said: “DRS offers the beverage chain, from producer, to retailer, through to the consumer, the opportunity to play their part in increasing recycling, reducing litter, and building a more circular economy. The Irish Beverage Council is delighted to have played our part in shaping and delivering this important initiative, and looks forward to the introduction of a successful and sustainable DRS for Ireland”.

Jennifer Wallace, Drinks Ireland, said: “Drinks Ireland has worked hard to support members in preparations for the Deposit Return Scheme which will deliver significant environmental benefits. This project represents a major change for businesses and consumers. We were happy to see the Scheme recognising the diversity of the market, including support for smaller producers. We stand ready to continue supporting our members in their successful implementation of the Scheme”.

Meanwhile, to support customers with the implementation of DRS, SuperValu and Centra have installed 28 Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) in 21 stores in Meath, as part of a €28m investment nationally by the store network.

Trials in stores began in early 2023 and one key result being that customers will see two machines present in higher footfall locations to increase efficiency and convenience in returning containers.

Ian Allen, Managing Director SuperValu & Centra commented: “As part of our strategy to build more sustainable communities and play our part in protecting the planet, we are delighted to roll out the DRS scheme across our SuperValu and Centra stores in Meath. By investing €28m in the installation of over 600 Reverse Vending Machines in every county in Ireland we hope to make returns as convenient as possible for everyone.

“Investments in DRS complement other environmental initiatives undertaken by retailers, such as installation of solar panels, the implementation of fridge doors for energy conservation, LED lighting, and efforts to reduce packaging. These collective actions show the commitment to reducing our overall climate impact and growing sustainably every day. We and our retailers understand the important role we play in supporting communities and ensuring that we make the implementation of the DRS scheme as easy and convenient as possible for our customers.”

.