Food-sector stalwart John Bason is to play a key role in delivering the UK’s forthcoming deposit-return scheme (DRS) for drinks containers.
The former finance director of Associated British Foods was named as chair of
UK Deposit Management Organisation (UK DMO).
Bason has also previously held senior positions at United Biscuits, Compass Group and distribution specialists Bunzl.
UK DMO will administrate a long-mooted initiative rewarding consumers for returning single-use plastic and metal drinks containers in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Its board was formed earlier this year and includes chiefs from Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, Heineken UK, Lidl, Tesco and Co-op.
Bason said this week: “The DRS is an opportunity to deliver a transformational change in the UK’s circular economy for these drinks containers.
“Having worked in markets across the world, I’ve seen first-hand the positive impact that such schemes can have. However, it is also a complex and challenging undertaking that will only be effective if it is easy for consumers to use, fair for retailers and producers of every size and trusted by the public.
“That’s why I will be focused on ensuring that the views and insights of as many people as possible inform how we build the scheme.”
