Suntory Beverage & Food Great Britain & Ireland (SBF GB&I) has published a new research and insights paper that can help inform an effective DRS operation in the UK. "Deposit Return Schemes: What’s in Store for the UK?" builds on the report launched in 2022, including further research to understand the actual, real response to the introduction of the Deposit Return Scheme in Ireland.
Early results from Ireland have been incredibly positive, with over half a billion containers returned since the launch of the scheme in February. The new research reinforces the three-stage mental shift model, "Surprise, Review and Reset", that SBF GB&I outlined in its original report and involved nine days of qualitative intercepts within grocery, convenience and forecourt retail environments.
Education is key
In its original research, SBF GB&I found that it takes just seven weeks for most shoppers (88 per cent) to rethink their relationship with plastic bottles and to appreciate their value after living with the scheme.
An initial adaptation period is to be expected as consumers get used to the scheme, but SBF GB&I’s research shows many consumers move from this period of "surprise" to one of "reset" within a few months. This can be accelerated by showing the benefits for communities and how consumers can play their part. Overall understanding of the logistics of the scheme has increased, with "social proofing" helping to recruit non-engagers as they see fellow shoppers using reverse vending machines in store.
Consumers with the strongest understanding of the environmental benefits of the DRS tended to adapt the fastest and the most engaged consumers were those who had already noticed less litter in their local area.
“There is a great opportunity to learn from the implementation of DRS in Ireland and we are committed to ensuring a successful roll out in the UK," said Keith Allen, Director for Commercial Sustainability Director at SBF GB&I. "We know people will experience that initial moment of surprise at having to pay more upfront, and then return the container in good condition to reclaim their deposit, but it’s promising to see shoppers adapt and form new routines. We are on hand to support retailers on this journey, by sharing these lessons and opportunities that will help them prepare effectively.”
Learning from what works
The research shows there are still some barriers to participation, including those who have difficulty storing drinks containers on the go before returning to a store, or don’t visit supermarkets as often, but that these barriers are reducing.
For "first timers", often younger people, once they realise how easy it is to return their containers and how many return points are available, it becomes easier to adapt. Families are using DRS to educate children on the positive environmental impact of proper recycling and using RVM vouchers to incentivise engagement, giving it to them to spend as pocket money.
SBF GB&I’s research shows that retailers can benefit from the scheme if they invest and build the consumer journey around their return vending machines (RVMs). Irish retailers report that the DRS is helping to build shopper loyalty and is rewarding those that make the experience better for consumers.
With redemptions of vouchers often taking place immediately in the store that containers are returned, the retailers that have benefitted most are those who have worked to overcome any initial challenges. Taking quick action when maintaining, cleaning and emptying RVMs, or by making simple additions like hangers for bags and bins to empty out liquids, is making the journey better and creating more loyal shoppers.
It is important that the scheme is as easy for consumers as possible and that removing unnecessary complexity or confusion will lead to better return rates and outcomes.
Committed to circularity
The Suntory Group’s purpose is to inspire the brilliance of life, by creating rich experiences for people in harmony with nature. To realise this purpose, SBF GB&I is committed to accelerating sustainable and circular packaging to reach its goal of 100 per cent sustainable packaging by 2030.
Michelle Norman, Director of Sustainability and External Affairs at Suntory Beverage & Food Europe said, “We know we have a significant role to play in the UK’s net-zero ambition and can help build a circular economy. However, we are held back from making faster progress towards these goals due to a poor supply of high-quality rPET, caused by low collection rates and underinvestment in recycling infrastructure. Delivering a functioning DRS would directly tackle these challenges and lower our carbon emissions. We are keenly aware that we cannot achieve 'the brilliance of life' without the brilliance of the earth and DRS will help us protect it for future generations.”
It's now three years to go until DRS is introduced in the UK, with roll out confirmed by the government for October 2027.
Deposit Return Schemes: What’s in Store for the UK? can be downloaded here.
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