The UK Deposit Management Organisation (UK DMO) has appointed former Associated British Foods (ABF) finance director John Bason as its first chair.
As momentum builds behind the deposit return scheme (DRS) for single-use plastic and metal drinks containers across England, Northern Ireland and Scotland, the organisation has been seeking expertise to lead it on its mission to successfully roll out the initiative and drive public and industry awareness.
Bason, who also chairs food redistribution charity FareShare, brings decades of experience across food, drink, and retail supply chains, including senior roles at United Biscuits, Bunzl and Compass Group.
He is tasked with guiding the not-for-profit body as it designs, delivers and operates one of the most complex resource efficiency initiatives ever undertaken in the UK.
Speaking on his appointment, Bason highlighted the potential of DRS to drive systemic change.
“The DRS is an opportunity to deliver a transformational change in the UK’s circular economy for these drinks containers,” he said.
It must be easy for consumers, fair for retailers and producers of every size, and trusted by the public, he continued.
“That’s why I will be focused on ensuring the views and insights of as many people as possible inform how we build the scheme.”
Bason added that the scheme’s ultimate goal is to unite businesses and consumers in preventing billions of bottles and cans from becoming litter while cutting carbon emissions.
The UK DMO was established just three months ago by the governments of England, Northern Ireland, and Scotland, and is expected to oversee the DRS rollout by October 2027. Since its creation, the organisation has been engaging with businesses of all sizes, consumer groups, trade bodies and environmental organisations to shape its operational blueprint. Recruitment for further board and senior roles is already under way.
Bason’s appointment has been welcomed across government and industry.
Mary Creagh, circular economy minister, described it as “a key milestone” that will help stop “the avalanche of rubbish filling up our streets and rivers, while kickstarting economic growth and creating new green jobs”.
Andrew Muir, Northern Ireland’s environment minister, and Gillian Martin, Scotland’s climate action secretary, both framed the appointment as pivotal in progressing national recycling and net zero commitments.
Industry groups also signalled their support. Gavin Partington, director general of the British Soft Drinks Association, said the sector would play its part in ensuring delivery by 2027. The British Retail Consortium’s Naomi Brandon-Bravo added that Bason’s retail experience would be “invaluable” in maximising environmental benefits for consumers.
Emma McClarkin, CEO of the British Beer and Pub Association, emphasised the need to balance environmental goals with cost-effectiveness, while Kinvara Carey, general manager of the Natural Source Waters Association, described the appointment as “an important step on our way to delivering a world-class DRS”.
Read more about the UK DMO on Green Retail World.
[image credit: Sainsbury’s]
