Alupro sustainability manager to help DEFRA prepare for DRS
Martin Hyde, sustainability and public affairs manager at Alupro, will soon embark on a 12-month secondment with DEFRA. The move will see him temporarily take up the role of Industry Liaison for the pending Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) for drinks containers.
Beginning in January, Hyde will effectively bridge the gap between the packaging industry, DEFRA, the DMO and wider stakeholders. He will be responsible for identifying any emerging issues, and working with the DEFRA DRS team to consider any areas that need Government support to move forward.
Hyde will return to Alupro in January 2027 and continue his work leading the team’s public affairs and sustainability programme. In the interim, executive director Tom Giddings will take up the reigns so Alupro members continue to be supported.
In comment, Hyde said: “The introduction of a Deposit Return Scheme represents a generational opportunity to change the way we collect and recycle beverage containers in the UK, and is a topic that anyone who knows me will be aware I’m a strong advocate for. While this shift is ultimately good news for the sector, policy change requires careful planning, management, and implementation to deliver maximum benefit.
“I look forward to working with DEFRA colleagues to bring stakeholders together; identifying common barriers, helping businesses navigate the complexities of the scheme and implementing solutions where possible ahead of the 2027 rollout.”
Tom Giddings, executive director of Alupro, added: “I’m delighted that Alupro personnel will be playing a front-line role in the implementation of DRS. Martin is passionate and highly talented and I believe he’s the perfect choice for this role. I’m very pleased for Martin and even more excited to welcome him back in 2027.”
Emma Bourne, Director of Circular Economy at DEFRA, concluded: “We’re delighted to welcome Martin to the DEFRA DRS team for this secondment. It’s a really exciting time for the project as we move through implementation and progress delivery of the scheme. Martin’s involvement will help us continue to build confidence, reflect a deep understanding across all DRS stakeholders and facilitate a strong working relationship among delivery partners.
This is one of many secondment opportunities we will be advertising across the work of the circular economy directorate. The reflects the importance of bringing a depth of knowledge and expertise into the team from industry as we partner up on our delivery of a circular economy.”
For more information about Alupro, or its work to fulfil the industry’s obligation to meet, and exceed, recycling targets for aluminium packaging, visit www.alupro.org.uk.
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