68% of people would be likely to return drinks containers during shopping trips once the UK’s Deposit Return Scheme launches, new research finds.
The new research, produced by Danone, the parent company of evian, Volvic and Harrogate Spring Water, found the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) could deliver commercial gains for retailers alongside environmental benefits.
55% of people surveyed said they would be likely to spend a deposit refund voucher in-store during the same visit, while 61% feel more positively about retailers offering recycling facilities.
Consumer appetite for the scheme is also high, with 64% saying they would be likely to use return points regularly once they are introduced.
A flat rate 20p deposit will apply to all drink containers in scope of the UK’s DRS when it launches in October next year.
The schemes in England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland cover PET plastic, steel, and aluminium drinks containers, but exclude glass.
However, the Welsh Government will include glass as an in-scope material in its DRS at launch, but no deposit will be charged on any glass containers.
The survey found people disagreed with this approach, with 65% saying that a consistent UK-wide approach would help people recycle more.
Commenting on the research, Dan Vass, Head of Category and Commercial Strategy, Danone North Europe, said: “The findings suggest consumers are ready to make recycling part of their everyday shopping routine.”
“For retailers, that creates an opportunity not only to support higher recycling rates, but also to drive shopper engagement, store visits and in-store spend.
“As the UK prepares for launch, retailers and producers have an opportunity to work together to ensure the scheme is as simple and intuitive as possible from day one.”
This summer, Danone partnered with the All England Lawn Tennis Club and Exchange for Change to pilot Reverse Vending Machines at this year’s Wimbledon qualifying competition, allowing spectators to experience how the UK DRS will work in practice.
