The UK’s glass manufacturers have hit out at Scottish plans for recycling with a deposit return at its heart, suggesting that increased collection costs for retailers and brand owners will prompt a switch to more plastic packaging. According to a statement on the British Glass website, the Scottish drinks sector will be hit, leading potentially to plant closures and job losses, while experts suggest current glass collection rates will be cut from 67% to 60%.

Representatives from the £1.6 billion UK glass manufacturing sector have expressed disappointment that industry and retailer views have been ignored. This follows recent statements from Iceland, The Scottish Retail Consortium and The Scottish Beer and Pub Association, who have all argued that glass packaging should be excluded from the design of a DRS scheme to avoid estimated running costs of £50 million.

The vision of UK glass manufacturers for a way forward that will increase glass recycling rates and deliver a true circular economy is to support the proposed EPR scheme planned for 2021 under the EU Packaging Waste Directive. EPR-based collection and recycling systems across Europe are proven to deliver the highest recycling rates, with no deposit and - importantly for consumers - lower cost.