Exchange for Change Releases New DRS Logo

Exchange for Change (EfC), operating as the UK’s Deposit Management Organisation (DMO), has released the formal regulatory requirements and technical guidance for the official Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) logo.

EfC was formally appointed to administer the DRS across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The scheme will apply to single-use drinks containers made from PET plastic, aluminium and steel, covering volumes from 150ml to three litres.

The publication of the Logo Regulatory Requirements document marks a major milestone in preparations for the scheme’s launch on 1 October 2027, when the logo will become mandatory on all in-scope containers placed on the market in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Exchange for Change has also applied to operate the Welsh DRS. While Wales intends to align its launch timeline with October 2027, it is proposing a separate scheme model that will additionally include glass drinks containers.

This article summarises the key requirements, design principles and compliance expectations set out in the guidance.

The Exchange for Change logo has been developed as a strategic national symbol to drive consistent consumer behaviour across the UK (excluding Wales) guided by four core principles; simplicity, distinctive, flexibility and attention.

Built around a clear “Container → Return → Value” visual (bottle–can–coin), the mark is designed to:

• Stand out clearly among existing recycling and compliance marks
• Function consistently across packaging, return points and communications
• Support rapid recognition in low-attention retail environments
• Represent exactly how Exchange for Change works without over-intellectualising

From October 2027, the logo must appear on all in-scope PET plastic, aluminium and steel drinks containers placed on the market in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

To remain compliant with DRS regulations, producers must apply the logo strictly in accordance with the regulatory requirements. This guidance confirms:

• A single instance of the Exchange for Change logo must appear on each in-scope packaging item.
• The primary (portrait) logo is the default and preferred format.
• The secondary (landscape) logo may only be used where demonstrable space or layout constraints prevent the primary logo from being clearly and legibly applied.
• The secondary logo must not be used for aesthetic preference or brand variation.

Producers will need to incorporate the logo into packaging design cycles well in advance of the 2027 launch date, particularly where long lead times or complex SKU portfolios are involved.

The regulatory requirements provide detailed minimum and maximum size specifications for both primary (portrait) and secondary (landscape) formats.

Key technical requirements include:

• Strict adherence to specified minimum and maximum dimensions
• A 1mm clear space rule on either side of the logo
• Defined options for OPRL replacement, square format, or standard Exchange for Change presentation

Colour requirements

The icon must always be printed in a single colour.

• Preferably black or white
• Alternative permitted colours include brand colours or nutrition label colours (e.g., green, amber, red)
• Pantone and CMYK references are provided within the guidance

This flexibility allows producers to integrate the logo into existing packaging designs while maintaining consistency of the core symbol.

The use of the On-Pack Recycling Label (OPRL) remains at the discretion of individual producers. Alternatively, producers may use the Exchange for Change logo to provide recycling guidance where appropriate.

The release of the Logo Regulatory Requirements provides long-awaited clarity for producers preparing for DRS implementation.

With collection targets escalating rapidly from 2028 onwards and the October 2027 go-live date fixed, packaging artwork decisions now have direct compliance implications.

Key next steps for industry:

• Review dimensional and colour specifications in detail
• Integrate logo planning into 2026–2027 packaging redesign cycles
• Ensure only approved and up-to-date logo assets are used

Early preparation will be critical to avoid last-minute artwork changes, production disruption or non-compliance risk as the UK DRS moves towards implementation.

For full technical specifications, producers should refer directly to the official Logo Regulatory Requirements – Version 1.0 documentation.