The Welsh Government’s decision to depart from the rest of the UK and include glass in the Deposit Return Scheme could add 50p to the cost of a bottle, according to the British Soft Drinks Association.
The proposed scheme has been criticised by leading Welsh drinks manufacturers, including Radnor Hills, which described it as ‘a complete and utter mess’.
Welsh Conservatives have consistently called for a UK-wide approach and warned that the decision by Plaid Cymru and Labour to have a separate system in Wales will cost jobs, limit consumer choice and increase prices.
Andrew RT Davies MS, Shadow Minister for Farming and the Environment, said:
“The Welsh Government’s shambolic proposal for a separate Deposit Return Scheme to the rest of the UK will drive up prices for consumers, reduce consumer choice and cost manufacturing jobs.
“The British Soft Drinks Association, which speaks for drinks manufacturers, is clear that this decision will likely add 50p to the cost of a bottle and that will be passed on to consumers, driving up the cost of living.
“Separatism doesn’t work. This scheme will only be successful if it is UK-wide. The Welsh Government needs to co-operate with the industry and governments in other parts of the UK.”
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