Exchange For Change sets UK DRS producer fees

The industry-led organisation delivering the DRS across the UK said the producer fee for all drinks containers will be set at 0p per unit from the scheme’s launch in October 2027 until December 2028.

Producer fees are charges paid by drinks producers to help cover the costs of operating the DRS.

Exchange For Change said the decision was intended to minimise costs for businesses during the initial stages of the scheme.

Based on current data, the organisation anticipates that producer fees will rise to 0.6p per unit for aluminium and steel containers and 2.3p per unit for PET containers from January 2029.

These rates are currently projected to apply through to December 2032.

However, Exchange For Change said the fees would be reviewed, validated and reconfirmed in May 2027, before the DRS launches.

The producer fees will also continue to be reviewed as further cost forecasts, contractual pricing and operational data become available.

Russell Davies, Exchange For Change Chief Executive, said: “We recognise the breadth of work being undertaken by industry to prepare for launch in October 2027. Setting a 0p producer fee for the first 15 months of the scheme is intended to support businesses in the early stages of the scheme.

“As a not-for-profit organisation, we are committed to ensuring that producer fees always remain as low as possible, while supporting the long-term financial sustainability of the scheme.”

Following the scheme’s launch, the fees will be reviewed annually and adjusted if required.

Exchange For Change said its approach had been informed by a wide-ranging consultation on the fees, which received responses from across the drinks supply chain.

The consultation included producers and retailers of different sizes, with feedback directly informing the proposed fee structure and levels.

Davies added: “Our approach to setting the producer fees has been founded on collaborative and constructive engagement with industry, and I would like to thank all of those whose contributions helped to inform and guide the outcome.”

The organisation previously announced that consumers will pay a flat 20p deposit on all in-scope drinks containers.

The deposit will be added at the point of purchase and fully refunded when consumers return the empty container.