UK DMO appoints John Bason as chair for DRS rollout

The UK Deposit Management Organisation (UK DMO), the body tasked with operating the deposit return scheme for England, Northern Ireland and Scotland, has chosen John Bason as Chair.

Following confirmation in May of the UK DMO consortium, this appointment represents a key step in keeping a deposit system for the three nations on track to launch. The scheme, which will provide a yet-to-be-specified value on single-use plastic and metal drinks containers between 150ml and three litres, is currently due to start in October 2027.

Since its appointment, the industry-led consortium has been establishing its operational infrastructure and engaging with stakeholders across the drinks and retail supply chain. The organisation has appointed interim leaders with international DRS experience, including Raymond Gianotten, former Director of the Netherlands scheme, and Seamus Clancy, who oversaw the establishment of Ireland's Re-Turn system.

Bason brings decades of experience across the food, drink and retail sectors to the role. He served as Finance Director of Associated British Foods for more than 20 years, from May 1999 until April 2023, and has held senior positions at United Biscuits, global distribution company Bunzl and foodservice business Compass Group.

Bason has also been Chair of Fareshare, overseeing its growth as the UK's leading food redistribution charity, redirecting surplus food from retailers and producers to frontline charities. He currently chairs the Strategic Advisory Board of Primark and serves as Non-Executive Director for SSE Plc.

Speaking on his appointment, Bason said: "The Deposit Return Scheme is an opportunity to deliver a transformational change in the UK’s circular economy for these drinks containers.

“Having worked in markets across the world, I’ve seen firsthand the positive impact that such schemes can have. However, it is also a complex and challenging undertaking that will only be effective if it is easy for consumers to use, fair for retailers and producers of every size, and trusted by the public. That’s why I will be focused on ensuring that the views and insights of as many people as possible inform how we build the scheme."

Circular Economy Minister Mary Creagh welcomed the progress UK DMO is making and described Bason's appointment as a "key milestone".

She said: "I look forward to working closely with John and the team to deliver the deposit return scheme, which will stop the avalanche of rubbish that is filling up our streets and rivers, while kickstarting economic growth and creating new green jobs."

The UK DMO run scheme aims to address a significant environmental challenge, with 6.5 billion drinks containers discarded annually across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. These containers contribute to 43 per cent of all litter according to UK DMO data.

Research by the Countryside Alliance estimates that the introduction of DRS will create up to 4,000 jobs across the UK and drive significant infrastructure investment.

UK DMO is responsible for designing and operating the entire system, from producer registration and logistics to financial clearing, fraud prevention and public communications. The organisation is governed by a Board with members nominated by trade associations representing producers and retailers of all sizes, including representatives from Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, Heineken UK, Lidl, Tesco and Co-op.

Industry bodies expressed support for the appointment. British Soft Drinks Association Director General Gavin Partington said: "We warmly welcome this appointment and look forward to working with John and his team and playing our part in ensuring successful delivery of a DRS by October 2027"

Naomi Brandon-Bravo, Sustainability Policy Adviser at the British Retail Consortium, added: "His experience in retail will be invaluable as we work together to ensure the Deposit Return Scheme delivers real environmental benefits for consumers."