Circularity Scotland, which is industry led and funded, was set up to be the scheme administrator for the DRS in Scotland, but after the latest delay saw the scheme pushed back from March 2024 to October 2025, question marks were raised.
The body was promised £9 million funding from the Scottish National Investment Bank to develop its activities (see letsrecycle.com story).
‘Impact’
Now, in a statement, the body said it is unsure of its financial future.
“The board of Circularity Scotland have been working to manage the impact of the Scottish government’s announcement and find a way for the business to continue to operate,” the statement read.
It added: “While this work is ongoing, we instructed staff to go home on Thursday 8 June. The unfortunate reality is that, at this point, we are not able to confirm whether our staff will be paid for this month or whether they will be able to return to the office. The board recognises that this is an extremely difficult time for our people and is working tirelessly to find a solution.
“We have remained in communication with our staff throughout and will provide updates to them at the earliest possible time.”
Fallout
The news that Circularity Scotland could go bust is set to cause another headache for the Scottish DRS, which has been delayed several times .
Scottish Conservative MSP Liam Kerr tweeted earlier that he had asked Lorna Slater about the future Circularity Scotland earlier this week, who responded that it is up to producers “UK-wide” to keep Circularity Scotland going to “bring their expertise”.
She added at the time that Circularity Scotland needs to “work with their members to decide on the future” of the body.
Asking @LornaSlater about CSL in @SP_NetZero cttee just two days ago. Some might wonder if she misled the committee in some of her answers or whether she’s hopelessly out of touch with her brief. Or both. pic.twitter.com/nbJsWsuDFF
— Liam Kerr (@LiamKerrMSP) June 15, 2023
Management
Circularity Scotland is responsible for the delivery and ongoing organisation of the DRS.
Responding to the latest delay, which the Scottish government said was down to Westminster ministers blocking the inclusion of glass, the body expressed its disappointment as it claimed the scheme could have continued without glass.
The BBC has reported that Circularity Scotland is now “asking the producers who founded the company to provide support”.
Members
On its website, Circularity Scotland said says it was set up by “over 95% of the market in order to raise the investment and create the infrastructure needed for the industry’s producers, retailers and wholesalers to meet their regulatory obligations, and to support trade associations.”
It lists members such as Coca-Cola European Partners Great Britain Limited, Diageo, Heineken UK and Suntory Beverage and Food.
Retailers who are members include, according to the website, Aldi, Asda, Co-operative Group, Lidl Great Britain, Marks and Spencer, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s Supermarkets and Tesco.
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