Deposit Return Scheme - 1st Oct 2027
If your operation sells drinks in cans or plastic bottles, 1 October 2027 is a date that needs to be on your operational plan.
From that date, the UK’s new Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) comes into effect, changing the way eligible drinks containers are sold, returned and accounted for.
Uniware is Sharing Their Real-world DRS Experience
Uniware already have a proven DRS solution, live in Ireland since their scheme launched in February 2024.
Uniware have highlight that the principle is straightforward: a deposit is applied to eligible drinks containers, which can be reclaimed when the container is returned. But for operators, the reality is more complex. There are also differences between the schemes across England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.
What DRS Operations Managers Need to Consider?
Uniwares experience in Ireland has helped them develop not only a proven solution, but a practical understanding of the challenges operators can encounter and the decisions they need to make. Urging Operations Managers to consider sooner rather than later how DRS will affect their site, such as:
- Product data
- EPOS configuration
- Reporting
- Reconciliation
- Pricing
- Refunds
- Handling of returned containers
Operations Managers need to plan how deposits need to work through their EPOS system. Finance teams and operational teams need to work together to understand how reporting and reconciliation will work in practice. How product data needs to be prepared. And how the transition from existing stock to DRS stock needs careful management.
A Proven Solution
The good news is that Uniware has already been through this journey.
With a live DRS solution in Ireland for more than 2 years. That means Uniwares experience doesn’t come from looking at how DRS should work on paper. They’ve seen how it works in real catering and retail environments. And they’ve learnt where some of the surprise challenges appear.
Over the coming months, Uniware will be sharing what they’ve learned from Ireland alongside practical guidance on preparing for the UK scheme – helping you understand what DRS means for your operation, the questions you should be asking and the steps you can take to prepare.
