Exchange for Change release first batch of guidance for DRS

Exchange for Change – the organisation overseeing the deposit return scheme (DRS) in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland - published initial guidance for retailers hosting return points and use of logos, including logo designs, for drinks producers.

The guidance firstly explains the rationale behind the recently released Exchange for Change logo, highlighting simplicity, distinctiveness and flexibility. The logo has now been made available in a full set of standard, printready and digitalready file formats that producers can download.

The publication goes on to outline that from October 2027, use of the logo in accordance with the specified dimensions and guidelines will be mandatory for producers in order to remain compliant with DRS regulations. Producers are required to display a single instance of the Exchange for Change logo on each inscope packaging item.

The use of the OnPack Recycling Label (OPRL) remains a decision for individual producers. Producers may choose to use the Exchange for Change logo to provide recycling guidance instead, or place both labels on their containers. The guidance goes on to detail other key requirements including minimum and maximum size requirements and colour options.

Reverse Vending Machine (RVM) specification for return point operators

The specification document sets out the minimum specifications and standards for RVM infrastructure required to support the automated collection of returned containers. It defines the criteria that RVMs must meet for Return Point Operators in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Return Point Operators – which will be primarily made up of retailers- are required to obtain appropriate evidence from their RVM suppliers, such as technical specifications or test results, to demonstrate that RVMs meet these standards. This includes a number of criteria that the RVMs are expected to meet including, for instance, the ability to read barcodes on all container shapes and weight detection accuracies of at least 95%. The document also covers measures that should be taken for container processing and fraud prevention amongst many more key details.

You can read the full guidance on logos and RVM specifications here.