An opportunity for green growth in Scotland: why the Deposit Return Scheme is about more than tackling litter

A new year is a natural moment to take stock. And 2026 is set to be a busy year for Scotland.

With a Scottish Parliament election on the horizon, change is in the air. MSPs are considering their legacies, new voices are preparing to step forward, and policies that have dominated debate are moving from discussion to delivery.

Few policies have generated as much conversation as the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS). But as we prepare for its launch in October 2027, we should remind ourselves that this isn’t simply a tool to tackle litter. It’s a real opportunity to deliver green economic growth across Scotland and Great Britain.

Listening to leaders and learning from experience

Last year, we had the privilege of sponsoring an ‘In Conversation’ event with Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes at the SNP Party Conference, alongside Holyrood editor Mandy Rhodes. It offered candid reflections on Kate’s career, the SNP’s policy journey, and the Deposit Return Scheme.

That spirit of honest reflection is exactly what we need now as DRS moves from debate to action. We’re listening to one another, adapting to challenges based on collective experience, and remaining focused on shared outcomes. 

That’s how we’ll deliver the transformative change that’s on offer.

Unlocking economic benefits and progress

Alongside tackling the issue of litter across Great Britain, we must remember that there’s also a substantial economic prize available. 

According to Defra, the Deposit Return Scheme will bring £10bn of external investment over the next 10 years and generate 4,000 new jobs . These aren’t abstract numbers. They represent a significant growth opportunity and tangible roles in manufacturing, logistics and more. 

Having agreement on an interoperable scheme across Scotland, England and Northern Ireland has helped to provide real momentum towards realising these benefits. And so, we remain hopeful that Wales will come on board to grasp these too.

Meanwhile, the UK Deposit Management Organisation continues to make significant progress following its establishment in May 2025. Board positions have now been filled, and the organisation is engaging closely with businesses of all sizes, consumer and community groups, local authorities, NGOs and a wide range of stakeholder as it develops the finer details of how the scheme will operate. 

This engagement will be crucial in ensuring that the scheme works for everyone and delivers on its potential to bring about a transformational change in how we tackle waste and increase recycling across Scotland. 

Working together to deliver for Scotland

Our commitment to Scotland runs deep. 

For over 60 years, our East Kilbride site has been at the heart of our operations in the country and today, it operates four production lines manufacturing 1,100 cans every minute, employs over 200 people, and supported 15 apprentices last year.

We have been and continue to be huge supporters of getting DRS up and running in Scotland and across Great Britain. But we can’t do it alone. Success will require collaboration between industry, government and communities working together towards a shared goal.

So, as we enter 2026, we’re looking forward to working with politicians, old and new, across parties and portfolios to ensure the Deposit Return Scheme turns environmental ambition into an economic reality for everyone.

The new year brings change. Let’s make sure it brings opportunity too.

This article is sponsored by Coca-Cola Europacific Partners.

www.cocacolaep.com