Emma McClarkin, Chief Executive of the British Beer and Pub Association said:

"The beer and pub sector has ambitious Net Zero targets and our members are committed to a circular economy in relation to packaging and working collaboratively to achieve this in a sustainable manner. Therefore, we welcome the clarity provided today, the steps to closer align national schemes and the recognition that October 2025 is now an unrealistic target for DRS implementation across the UK. 

However, continued differences across the UK remains a huge challenge for industry, particularly in terms of glass inclusion, adding in significant additional costs and complexity which inevitably will impact consumers in terms of costs and choice. Fully aligned schemes across the UK are vital as is the need for the UK Government and devolved nations to clearly set out the cumulative costs of all the upcoming packaging reforms, and how these will deliver against environmental objectives in the most cost-effective and proportionate manner. The cost of doing business for brewers and pubs remain acute and these added regulatory costs must be carefully considered."