Exchange for Change has published the technical blueprint for the UK's Deposit Return Scheme. Here are the key requirements that will shape drinks packaging, barcodes, and Reverse Vending Machines ahead of the October 2027 launch.

With the UK Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) now just 12 months away, businesses across the drinks supply chain are beginning to move from planning to implementation.

The latest Exchange for Change Material Specification (Version 6, June 2026) provides the most detailed picture yet of how containers will be identified, accepted and processed within the scheme. While much of the public discussion around DRS has focused on deposits and return points, this specification reveals the technical requirements that producers, retailers and Reverse Vending Machine (RVM) operators must now prepare for. [exchangefo...ange.co.uk]

Which Containers Are Included?

The DRS will cover drinks containers:

• Between 150ml and 3 litres
• Made wholly or mainly from:
  • PET plastic
  • Aluminium
  • Steel
• Including both soft drinks and alcoholic beverages intended for human consumption

These containers must meet defined technical standards if they are to be accepted through Reverse Vending Machines. [exchangefo...ange.co.uk]

Not Every Container Shape Will Pass

One of the less discussed aspects of the specification is the emphasis on container design.

Exchange for Change makes it clear that cylindrical containers remain the preferred format because they are more easily processed by automated equipment. Non-cylindrical, top-heavy or unusually shaped containers may require additional testing before being approved for RVM acceptance. Containers that cannot be reliably processed by an RVM may need to be handled manually instead. [exchangefo...ange.co.uk]

For producers developing new packaging formats, RVM compatibility should now be part of the design conversation from the outset.

Containers Must Be Compactable

To improve collection efficiency and reduce storage and transport costs, containers must also meet minimum compaction standards.

The specification requires:

• PET bottles to be capable of being compacted by at least 55%
• Aluminium and steel cans to be capable of being compacted by at least 75%

Materials that are too rigid or excessively thick could create operational issues for RVMs and may require evaluation before approval. [exchangefo...ange.co.uk]

The Biggest Change: Barcodes

Perhaps the most significant update for producers is the confirmation that all existing product barcodes will need to be changed and registered with Exchange for Change. [exchangefo...ange.co.uk]

The purpose is twofold:

• To enable complete traceability throughout the DRS supply chain
• To prevent fraud involving non-deposit-bearing containers

Every in-scope container will require a registered barcode capable of being recognised by both RVMs and scheme counting centres. This applies not only to UK-specific products but also to products sold in multiple countries using international barcode systems. [exchangefo...ange.co.uk]

For many producers, barcode management is likely to become one of the largest implementation projects between now and launch.

How RVMs Will Identify Containers

A common misconception is that RVMs rely solely on barcode scanning.

The specification confirms that container recognition will combine multiple technologies, including:

• Barcode recognition
• Shape recognition
• Weight detection
• Metal detection

Together these systems must achieve a minimum recognition accuracy of 95%. Containers containing excessive liquid, damaged products or items that fail identification checks can be rejected automatically. [exchangefo...ange.co.uk]

This layered approach is designed to improve fraud prevention while maintaining a smooth consumer experience.

Future-Proofing Through Advanced Recognition

Interestingly, Exchange for Change has also signalled that future recognition technologies may play a greater role after launch.

The specification references the future use of silhouette-based shape recognition and confirms that RVMs must be capable of reading technologies such as QR codes and 2D data matrices from day one. [exchangefo...ange.co.uk]

While barcodes remain the primary identification method at launch, the scheme is clearly being designed with future digital packaging developments in mind.

Every Individual Container Must Be Identifiable

The specification also clarifies requirements for multipacks.

Although products may be sold in bundles, each individual container must carry its own unique barcode so that consumers can return containers separately and receive the appropriate deposit refund. Outer multipack packaging cannot simply replicate the same barcode used on individual containers. [exchangefo...ange.co.uk]

The DRS Logo Is Coming

Exchange for Change has confirmed that all in-scope products will require a dedicated UK DRS logo to identify containers participating in the scheme. The logo will help consumers, retailers and return point operators distinguish eligible containers from those outside the scheme. [exchangefo...ange.co.uk]

This will become one of the most visible changes for consumers as the scheme approaches launch.

What This Means for the Industry

The latest material specification demonstrates that the UK's Deposit Return Scheme is no longer simply a policy ambition. Detailed operational requirements are now being defined across packaging, logistics, product registration and return infrastructure.

For producers, the focus should now be on packaging compliance, barcode updates and product registration.

For retailers, it provides reassurance that RVM standards are being clearly defined and that technology providers can work against a consistent framework.

For consumers, it means a return system that is being engineered to minimise fraud, maximise recycling quality and deliver a reliable experience from day one.

Looking Ahead

As October 2027 approaches, the conversation around DRS is shifting from whether it will happen to how it will operate.

The Exchange for Change Material Specification offers the clearest indication yet of what a fully functioning UK Deposit Return Scheme will look like. Businesses that begin preparing now will be in the strongest position to adapt smoothly when the scheme goes live.

At Recyclever, we continue to monitor every technical and operational update from Exchange for Change to help retailers and brands prepare for one of the most significant changes to beverage packaging and recycling in a generation.