Exchange for Change, the organisation set to deliver the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) in the UK, has announced that producer fees will be frozen at 0p for the first 15 months of the programme. 

As such, drinks producers will not have to pay fees for any drinks containers between October 2027 and December 2028. 

According to Exchange for Change, the decision comes as it tries to reduce costs for businesses at the scheme’s outset. The operator said that it follows several months of consultation with the industry. 

After December 2028, it is expected that the producer fees will then be 0.6p per unit for both aluminium and steel containers, and 2.3p for PET containers. This rate will be reviewed and reconfirmed in May 2027. 

Exchange for Change further commented that it would continue to review fees annually once the scheme is launched and adjust them if needed. 

Russell Davies, Exchange for Change, CEO, said: “Publishing the producer fees is another major milestone delivered as we move towards the launch of the deposit return scheme in October 2027, and will help businesses in their preparation and planning.  

“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. 

“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.” 

Responding to the news, the trade has been generally positive, with many expressing relief at the buffer period. 

On this note, Travis Way, MD at EcoVend by Reconomy, said: “Giving producers this additional breathing space should support a smoother implementation ahead of the October 2027 launch.” 

Meanwhile, others stressed the importance of producers continuing their preparation. Bill Power, chairman of DRS international, commented: “This announcement gives producers useful short-term cost clarity, but a 0p Producer Fee for the first 15 months should not be mistaken for a reason to delay preparation. 

“Businesses should still model the potential impact of the projected fees from 2029 and continue the wider work on data, systems, packaging and commercial readiness ahead of October 2027.”