Tom Giddings, executive director of Alupro, will discuss the critical importance of careful policy planning, implementation and transition at this year’s DRS Conference. Taking place at the 22 Duchess Mews conference venue in central London, the event will bring together policymakers, local authorities, retailers, brands and technology providers to debate best practice approaches.

As part of the full-day event, Giddings will participate in the ‘material opportunities and challenges’ panel discussion alongside representatives from Esterform and British Glass. Chaired by Kate Ballard from Clarity Environmental, the session will explore how the UK’s introduction of a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) will impact national capture volumes and overall material quality, as well as probing into key considerations around its effective implementation.

Alongside explaining why a well-designed DRS has the potential to supercharge aluminium packaging recycling rates domestically, Giddings will explore some of the key challenges associated with national implementation. Finally, he will put forward his view on the need for aligned reporting systems, accurate data capture and a careful transition away from the old PRN system.

Commenting on the event, Giddings said: “With DRS set to be rolled out across the UK from October 2027, bringing the industry together to debate the real-world opportunities and challenges associated with its implementation and long-term operation is a hugely important task.

“The DRS Conference offers the potential to do exactly that. The event will see businesses from across the supply chain share insight, put forward informed opinion and learn from best practice – such as lessons from the Republic of Ireland’s recent DRS policy implementation. I’m looking forward to championing the views of the aluminium packaging supply chain and explaining the importance of a careful transition.”

Alongside joining the ‘material opportunities and challenges’ panel discussion, Alupro will also be sponsoring the event. For more information, or to secure your ticket, visit https://web-eur.cvent.com/event/205fb031-6ef9-477b-8814-df6b85a32fa1.

ENDS