Coca-Cola and Red Bull are among the companies contemplating looking for tens of millions of pounds in compensation following the postponement of Scotland’s deposit return scheme, in accordance with sources. The Scottish Government’s plan, which might have added a 20p cost to single-use bottles and cans, has been delayed till at least October 2025. The beverage industry had invested tens of millions in preparation for the scheme, originally set to launch in March 2024, despite issues about its potential impression on their businesses and the creation of a commerce barrier between Scotland and the remainder of the UK.
The collapse of Scotland’s system was attributed to the UK Government, as Downing Street ruled that it might only proceed if glass bottles have been excluded. With related schemes in the the rest of the UK not expected till 2025, the Scottish authorities had requested an exemption from the Internal Market Act, which governs trade inside the UK post-Brexit.
Covert is understood that the British Soft Drinks Association, representing corporations like Coca-Cola, AG Barr, and Britvic, will meet next week to discuss potential compensation claims for the “millions wasted” on getting ready for the now-delayed Scottish system. Innis and Gun, a major UK craft beer business, has also indicated that it is “carefully considering” legal action.
Founder Dougal Sharp expressed his frustration, saying, “I am vastly frustrated that we now have spent lots of time, money and effort in a scheme that we’ve been warning the federal government about for years was not proper. It has value us many, many hours of labor. It has value us some huge cash. We will seek the advice of with our colleagues and consider carefully our next steps. Every firm shall be trying to defend its monetary place.”