Set to go live in October 2027, the DRS will cover single-use plastic and metal drinks containers between 150ml and three litres in England, Northern Ireland and Scotland.
A deposit will be added to these items which can be claimed back by consumers at takeback points.
The scheme is designed to keep more drinks containers in circulation and increase recycling rates.
In a joint statement, the UK DMO board said: “DRS is an opportunity to deliver a transformational step forward in the circular economy in the UK and the appointment of the DMO is a major milestone in that journey.
“We don’t underestimate the scale of the challenge, but our aim is simple – to build a system that’s fair, efficient and easy to use.
“Our work is already underway, and we’ll be working closely with governments, businesses of all sizes, environmental groups and consumer bodies to move forward as quickly as possible.”
The management organisation is responsible for designing and operating the systems that make the scheme work – including producer registration, logistics, finance, fraud prevention and public communications.
The Scottish government has decided that the UK DMO will also be its designated scheme administrator.
The UK DMO is a not-for-profit organisation created by the sector and will commence its work by engaging with the three governments, producers, retailers, consumers and environmental groups.
Its board consists of members which were nominated by trade associations and represent large and small producers, major supermarkets, small convenience stores and wholesalers.
The company was incorporated on 26 February 2025.
These include Shepley Spring, Radnor Hills, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, Heineken UK, Lidl, Tesco and Co-op.
The board is currently recruiting for an independent chair and non-executive director.
Director of food and sustainability at the British Retail Consortium, Andrew Opie, said: “A well-designed DRS, with retail at its heart, will be an important contribution to delivering a circular economy in the UK.
“We welcome today’s appointment of the DMO to oversee the DRS. Retailers and the BRC have been central to the DMO’s development, committing significant funding, time and resource to get to this point and we are pleased that our voice will continue to be heard as the initiative progresses.
“The DMO must now get to work to ensure the smooth delivery of a DRS that works for businesses and consumers. We look forward to engaging with them and the government to ensure that DRS makes a meaningful difference to recycling across the UK.”
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