Packaging Innovations 2026 live: Ecosurety urges clarity on UK DRS ahead of 2027 launch

At Packaging Innovations 2026 in Birmingham, UK, we speak to Alison Appleby, packaging sustainability specialist at Ecosurety, a producer compliance scheme that helps companies comply with packaging EPR (pEPR) requirements, about the recently announced national DRS, set to launch in October 2027. 

Appleby tells Packaging Insights that, following the DRS announcement, more information is needed to help manufacturers start preparing in earnest. 

“Although it is clear what the branding will be now, producers will need detailed labeling guidance, specifications, and guidelines on the use of barcodes to start changing packaging lines.” 

“Next, we hope to see clear guidance around reporting of in-scope containers and financial obligations as soon as possible.”

Alison Appleby, packaging sustainability specialist at Ecosurety.Key aspects of the scheme, including cost structures, reporting arrangements, and retailer obligations, have not yet been finalized. But Ecosurety says clarity on these aspects is critical to allow producers, retailers, and compliance schemes to plan effectively and ensure an efficient rollout ahead of the launch.

Industry awaits details

Last month, the UK officially launched Exchange For Change as the trading name for the UK Deposit Management Organisation (UK DMO). Ecosurety describes the launch as a “major milestone” for the country’s DRS. 

“It is really encouraging to see the momentum behind Exchange for Change, in terms of their comms, stakeholder engagement, and presented timelines,” Appleby tells us from the show floor.

“In practice, there is little that companies can do right now as we wait for labeling specifications and further details — but the latest announcement gives us confidence that Exchange for Change is working quickly to ensure guidance and details will be released soon.”

Regional alignment 

When asked whether the planned 2027 launch date is realistic, Appleby says the schedule is “ambitious,” given the systems and infrastructure that need to be put in place for a nationwide DRS. 

“However, Exchange for Change has mobilized quickly, which is positive. Any potential further delays to the system could be due to a multitude of reasons — Scotland’s original system was hampered by legislative issues, and the rollout of hard infrastructure such as reverse vending machines is costly and takes time.”

Another aspect to be determined is the extent to which Wales will align with the scheme implemented across England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. 

Appleby says the Welsh government has stated its intention to include glass within its DRS and has sought an exemption from the UK Internal Market Act to proceed on that basis. Resolving this issue is key, she adds.

The Welsh government is reportedly launching its DRS scheme alongside the UK, amid growing industry concern over a lack of a harmonized approach.

“Regulatory misalignment and lack of clarity are problematic for the industry. If the Welsh DRS system diverges from that of the rest of the UK, it will mean additional and significant complexity in terms of reporting, data obligations, and finances.”

With live reporting from Milana Nikolova at Packaging Innovations 2026.