McArthur: SNP and Greens could shatter business confidence in DRS

Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s deadline for businesses to sign up to the Deposit Return Scheme, Scottish Liberal Democrat climate emergency spokesperson Liam McArthur MSP has warned that confidence in DRS risks being “shattered” without a pause to fix the problems and concerns of businesses. 

Tuesday’s deadline for producers to register with SEPA would see them commit to a three-year contract with only limited knowledge of how the scheme will work in practice. If they do not register, businesses may not be able to sell their products in Scotland. 

Commenting ahead of the deadline, Mr McArthur said:   

“If Scottish Ministers continue to blunder on regardless, they risk shattering business confidence in DRS itself. 

“The Scottish Government has prioritised haste over detail. Vital questions remain unanswered, putting businesses in an impossible position and leaving many worried about their future. Small businesses, in particular, are extremely vulnerable and Scotland’s drinks sector, jobs and consumer choice are all under threat.

“Scottish Liberal Democrats were the first to call on the government to learn from successful deposit return schemes across Europe which have helped to reduce waste, emissions and litter. However, this requires government to work in tandem with those at the sharp end.  

“This SNP/ Green Government must press pause and take stock if it is to avoid harming businesses, damaging public confidence and undermining the case for a deposit return scheme."