Businesses operating across the UK will be required to comply with different regulatory frameworks in Wales compared to England and Scotland, and British Glass said this risks creating ‘complexity, confusion and additional burdens for producers and the supply chain’.
The association said it raised strong concerns and presented clear evidence that including glass in the DRS in Wales – but not elsewhere in the UK – would have negative consequences for both Welsh consumers and the wider economy, with potential for market fragmentation, increased costs, cross-border complexity and unintended environmental impacts.
Nick Kirk, British Glass federation director, said: “We remain committed to engaging constructively with the Welsh and UK Governments to ensure that the detail of implementation minimises disruption. Clarity on operational design, producer obligations, cost impacts, and interaction with Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) will be essential.
“British Glass supports measures that genuinely improve recycling and environmental performance. However, it is vital that policy decisions are evidence-based, fair, and aligned across the UK to maintain market stability and maximise environmental benefit.”