Plans for a UK-wide Deposit Return Scheme for recyclable bottles and cans moved forward this week with the unveiling of the scheme’s ‘new identity’ – Exchange For Change.
Unveiling this new trading name, the UK Deposit Management Organisation, the not-for-profit body established to deliver the national DRS, said that it summed up the scheme’s core purpose – a simple exchange where people return their empty drinks containers to reclaim their deposit.
But UK DMO also hoped that the branding sums up the wider impact that a deposit return system will have in reducing litter and keeping communities clean.
CEO Russell Davies explained: “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.
“The brand icon is intended to become synonymous with the scheme itself, providing a consistent visual cue that supports participation and helps drive cleaner streets and communities,” said Davies.
“We’re excited to take this next step and will keep working closely with partners across the UK, supporting them in preparing for the launch of the scheme and making sure that together we deliver real change and a scheme that works for everyone.”
Scheduled to go live in October 2027, Exchange For Change will cover Scotland, England and Northern Ireland, encouraging the return of PET plastic, aluminium and steel drinks containers between 150ml and 3 litre capacity.
While the English and Northern Irish system will exist under separate legislation from the Scottish system, both will be operated by the same organisation, avoiding the border impasse that put paid to Scotland’s attempt at a stand-alone DRS back in 2023.
Also unlike the aborted Scottish version of the scheme, Exchange For Change will not involve glass.
The new brand icon, depicting a bottle morphing into coins, is intended to become the ‘single, recognisable identifier’ of the scheme, appearing on all in-scope bottles, cans and return points, making it easy for people to spot participating containers and return locations.
With the unveiling done, Exchange for Change will now work with drinks producers, retailers, wholesalers and hospitality to support the adoption of the scheme logo on labels and packaging.
Formal issuance of the scheme logo and detailed guidance on how and when to apply it – including placement, sizing and approved formats – will be shared in the coming weeks, giving businesses time to prepare artwork updates ahead of the scheme’s introduction.
Under the regulations, the logo will be a required part of container design for drinks included in the scheme.
