New Regulatory Requirements set out how drinks producers must apply the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) logo to in-scope containers across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland from 1 October 2027.
Exchange for Change has published its approved Regulatory Requirements for the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) logo, setting out how drinks producers must apply the mark to in-scope containers ahead of the scheme’s launch on 1 October 2027.
The not-for-profit, industry-led body has been appointed as the UK Deposit Management Organisation (DMO) responsible for designing and delivering the DRS across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. From October 2027, use of the logo in line with the published guidance will be mandatory for all PET plastic bottles and aluminium and steel cans included in the scheme.
The consistency of the DRS logo matters, as it will build recognition and help to drive behaviour change in recycling.
According to Exchange for Change, the new document provides detailed technical specifications for how the logo must appear on packaging. This includes guidance on portrait and landscape orientations to accommodate different container formats, minimum and maximum size requirements, and mandatory clear space rules to ensure legibility and prominence.
Approved colour formats and production guidance are also outlined, alongside provisions covering any future withdrawal or replacement of the DRS logo.
The organisation said the logo has been developed as a “simple” and “distinctive” symbol intended to make the scheme instantly recognisable on drinks containers. By creating a consistent mark across packaging, return points and communications, it aims to help consumers quickly identify containers included in the DRS and understand how to participate.
Russell Davies, CEO of Exchange for Change, said: “From October next year, people will see this icon on every in-scope bottle and can across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The consistency of the DRS logo matters, as it will build recognition and help to drive behaviour change in recycling.
“Publishing the approved Regulatory Requirements gives drinks producers the clarity they need to plan artwork cycles and packaging updates with confidence. We’re focused on giving industry time, certainty and support as we move towards launch.”
The guidance confirms that producers will retain discretion over how the DRS logo is used in relation to existing on-pack recycling labels. The mark may appear alongside current recycling information or replace certain elements, provided regulatory requirements are met.
Full technical artwork files, available in a range of print and digital-ready formats, have been made accessible here.
