Fed laments Circularity Scotland situation

The Federation of Independent Retailers (the Fed) has commented on the news that Circularity Scotland has gone into administration.

"We have enormous sympathy for the 60 people who left other jobs to join Circularity Scotland and now face an uncertain future," said National vice president Mo Razzaq.

"Looking to the future, we feel there is a compelling case for one organisation to run a bottle and can return scheme for the whole of the UK. If each of the four nations has its own organisation, the system is likely to be more complex, bureaucratic and expensive for retailers, drinks producers and consumers. All of this will get in the way of our shared objective of a successful deposit return scheme curbing litter and waste of the planet's resources.

"We believe it would also be helpful now for Scotland to review the strengths and weaknesses in the planning for its own deposit system so that we can help shape the creation of a stronger system for the UK. More research into the successful launch of systems in other countries around the world, would also help inform our thinking."

Speaking on BBC Scotland on Wednesday June 21, Mr Razzaq continued: "Retailers have a great deal more uncertainty now, even more uncertainty."

Asked about the First Minister Humza Yousaf's statement that he does not think there are grounds for compensation because the UK Government has caused cancellation of the scheme, he said: "We're very puzzled by that remark. All our work has been done with the Scottish government. All our advice came from them. They told us to prepare for launch in August this year then told us it would be delayed until March. Our members had purchased machines to handle the returns and made space in their businesses.”