The organisation warned that key questions over costs and system alignment remain unresolved, cautioning that the current approach risks unintended consequences for consumers, businesses and environmental outcomes.
The intervention follows confirmation that Wales’ DRS has secured an agreed exclusion from the UK Internal Market Act on 12 February 2026.
The exclusion enables ministers to press ahead with a glass-inclusive model when the scheme launches in October 2027, in parallel with DRS schemes planned for England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Uncertainty over DRS costs
Under the proposed arrangements, there will be an extended “0p deposit” period until October 2031, meaning no revenue will be generated from unredeemed deposits during that time.
British Glass argued that this creates uncertainty over how operational costs will be covered between 2027 and 2031 and raised the prospect of significant financial burdens for producers.
It also warned of the risk of producers effectively paying twice if the DRS is not fully aligned with kerbside collection systems.
Dr Nick Kirk, British Glass Federation Director, commented: “We fully support Wales’ ambition to improve recycling and reuse. But differing from the rest of the UK on glass without clear obligations or full consultation risks higher costs, reduced consumer choice and disruption to successful recycling systems.”
‘Double payment’ concerns
The trade body also pointed to interaction with packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR).
It noted that Welsh glass producers will continue to pay pEPR fees until 2027, while equivalent materials such as plastic and aluminium in other UK nations are expected to be exempt from pEPR once included within their respective DRS schemes.
According to British Glass, clarity is needed on how the Welsh scheme will operate alongside pEPR to avoid market distortion and unintended impacts on glass recycling.
The organisation argued that, because financial incentives for glass remelt recycling and reuse are currently embedded within pEPR regulations, removing or duplicating these drivers without replacement mechanisms could weaken circularity outcomes.
A break before Senedd elections
Given the scale of change and the proximity to the next Senedd election, British Glass has recommended a short pause in the legislative process.
It said this would allow for fuller scrutiny, a transparent exclusion process under the UK Internal Market Act, and a more comprehensive assessment of costs, risks and interactions with existing systems.
Kirk added: “Stakeholders were never directly asked whether Wales should diverge from the rest of the UK by including glass, especially after the UK-wide approach was withdrawn in November 2024.
“A short, constructive pause would ensure the scheme is robust and fair, while delivering the environmental benefits Wales is aiming for.”
Find out more about the policy and regulation updates, technology and infrastructure, and consumer engaging ahead of the introduction of the scheme at the Deposit Return Scheme Conference on 30 April 2026 in London.
Subscribe for free