The UK Deposit Management Organisation (UK DMO) has unveiled Exchange For Change as its trading name and launched a new brand icon that will appear on all drinks containers covered by the forthcoming deposit return scheme (DRS).

The announcement marks a significant milestone ahead of the scheme's October 2027 launch across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The icon, developed with Uncommon Creative Studio, depicts bottles and cans transforming into coins and will serve as the single identifier for participating containers and return points.

Russell Davies, chief executive of Exchange For Change, said: "Our new name reflects what this scheme is about: making a simple change that has the power to transform streets, communities and recycling habits across the UK."

Sarah Horner, Director at Reloop UK and Ireland, said: "More than 55 countries and regions across the world operate successful deposit return schemes, and we are now excitingly close to launch of the long-awaited scheme in England, Northern Ireland and Scotland."

Industry preparation

Exchange For Change stated it will work closely with drinks producers, retailers, wholesalers and hospitality businesses to support adoption of the scheme logo on labels and packaging. Formal guidance on logo placement, sizing and approved formats will be issued in the coming weeks.

Under The Deposit Scheme for Drinks Containers (England and Northern Ireland) Regulations 2025, the logo will be a mandatory element of container design for in-scope drinks, covering PET plastic, aluminium and steel containers between 150ml and three litres. Retailers that accept cash will be required to offer consumers the choice of a cash refund.

Stephen Moorhouse, Vice President of Coca-Cola Europacific Partners GB, said: "Delivering to the timelines will be challenging but achievable, and now is the time for industry to roll up its sleeves to create a well-designed system that works for businesses, shoppers and the environment."

The scheme is designed to achieve a 90 per cent collection rate by the end of 2030, phased from 70 per cent in 2028 to 80 per cent in 2029. The deposit level has yet to be set by Exchange For Change.

Travis Way, Managing Director at EcoVend, said: "Public engagement will be one of the defining factors in whether the UK's deposit return scheme succeeds, so giving it a clear, consumer-friendly identity is a significant and welcome step. With the October 2027 deadline approaching, 2026 will be the key preparation year for businesses, giving them a narrow but vital window to get systems, infrastructure and communications in place ahead of launch."

Outstanding questions

Government guidance published in January 2025 set out the operational framework for the scheme, including exemptions for urban retailers with premises smaller than 100 square metres.

Louisa Goodfellow, Policy Manager at Ecosurety, said: "We now look forward to further detail on key elements of the scheme, particularly around cost structures, reporting arrangements and retailer obligations. These aspects will be critical in enabling producers, retailers and compliance schemes to plan effectively."

Wales has withdrawn from the UK-wide implementation process, citing its intention to include glass containers. However, the Welsh Government requires an exemption from the UK Internal Market Act 2020 to proceed on that basis. Goodfellow noted that understanding how this will be resolved "remains a key question" for producers operating across the UK. Wales has committed to aligning its launch timeline with October 2027 but will operate a separate scheme.