The UK Deposit Management Organisation (UK DMO), the not-for-profit body established by industry to design and deliver the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, has unveiled its trading name – Exchange for Change.
This announcement marks another important milestone in the delivery of the UK’s Deposit Return Scheme, which will go live in October 2027. Exchange for Change reflects the scheme’s core purpose: a simple exchange where people return their empty drinks containers to reclaim their deposit, and the wider impact that simple action has in reducing litter and keeping communities clean. It’s a straightforward transaction that leads to meaningful environmental change.
As part of this next phase of development, Exchange for Change has unveiled a new brand icon that will appear on all in-scope bottles, cans and return points associated with the Deposit Return Scheme. The icon has been designed to become the single, recognisable identifier of the scheme – making it easy for people to spot participating containers and return locations at a glance. This consistent visual marker will support correct participation at point of return and enable clear, unified messaging across packaging and infrastructure. The icon visually represents the deposit return process and works consistently across the full range of drinks containers covered by the scheme.
The DMO worked with Uncommon Creative Studio, a global creative agency with experience in major brand projects, on the development of the brand and logo.
Supporting businesses
Exchange for Change will work closely with drinks producers, retailers, wholesalers and hospitality to support the adoption of the scheme logo on labels and packaging. Formal issuance of the scheme logo and detailed guidance on how and when to apply it – including placement, sizing and approved formats – will be shared in the coming weeks, giving businesses time to prepare artwork updates ahead of the scheme’s introduction.
Under the regulations, the logo will be a required part of container design for drinks included in the scheme (PET plastic, aluminium and steel, 150ml-3l), helping customers recognise in-scope items and understand how to return them.
Russell Davies, CEO Exchange for Change, said: “Our new name reflects what this scheme is about: making a simple change that has the power to transform streets, communities and recycling habits across the UK. The brand icon is intended to become synonymous with the scheme itself, providing a consistent visual cue that supports participation and helps drive cleaner streets and communities.
“We’re excited to take this next step and will keep working closely with partners across the UK, supporting them in preparing for the launch of the scheme and making sure that together we deliver real change and a scheme that works for everyone.”