Trade bodies urge Welsh Government to rethink glass in DRS

Major Welsh wine and spirits industry bodies, led by the WSTA, are urging the Welsh Government to remove glass from its planned Deposit Return Scheme, citing lessons from Scotland's failed DRS and warning of infrastructure and funding gaps. With wine and spirits accounting for roughly 70% of the glass that would fall under the scheme and less than 15 months until launch, trade groups are concerned obligated companies could be forced to reduce stock or leave the Welsh market entirely unless a Deposit Management Organisation is appointed and clear funding mechanisms are established.