Our Reuse Roundtable at Hensol Castle on November 10th CLUBZERØ presented an incredible opportunity, exploring how we can test Reuse in a community who are already pioneering the circular economy space.

The participation, energy, and practical contributions from producers, brands, retailers, government stakeholders, and operational partners demonstrated the genuine momentum building behind Wales' reuse infrastructure.

The trial outlined at the Reuse Roundtable represented an opportunity for Wales to become the proving ground for Digital DRS integration with reusable packaging, putting Reuse back on the agenda for the UK.

CLUBZERØ presented how they could lead implementation with GS1-standard tracking technology, coordinating certified washing and logistics partners, and managing the digital infrastructure connecting producers, retailers, and consumers.

This trial would address Wales' unique regulatory position ahead of UK-wide DRS implementation while demonstrating scalability for other major UK cities.

Where Policy Drives Reuse: Key Learnings

Understanding the regulatory landscape is fundamental to building effective reuse infrastructure. Wales sits at the intersection of multiple policy drivers creating unprecedented momentum for reusable packaging systems. At the roundtable, participants examined how these frameworks translate into operational requirements and commercial opportunities.

• Wales' October 2027 Digital DRS launch creates immediate infrastructure requirements. CLUBZERØ is proposing a launch trial to establish proven reuse systems before further roll out, creating a validated operational framework before mandatory reuse requirements take effect. This positions Wales uniquely within UK implementation: while other nations will retrofit reuse capabilities into existing DRS infrastructure, Wales is building integrated collection, tracking, and redistribution systems from the ground up.
• 2030/2031 mandatory reuse targets shift the timeline from optional to essential. Wales will have mandatory reuse targets across beverage containers implemented by January 2031. Producers and retailers participating in the Cardiff trial gain first-mover advantages: influencing system design, avoiding costly future retrofitting, and building operational expertise. Early conversations with DEFRA allude to potential reuse targets being announced in 2028.
• EU PPWR mandates requiring reusable packaging options by December 2027 drive broader market transformation. While Wales operates under UK jurisdiction, the alignment of timelines creates cross-border opportunities for standardized systems. Brands operating across multiple markets gain efficiency through unified reuse infrastructure rather than jurisdiction-specific solutions.
• Extended Producer Responsibility fee structures make reuse economically compelling. Rising EPR costs for single-use packaging create direct financial incentives for reuse adoption. Early data indicates potential savings in millions of pounds annually for major producers and retailers through comprehensive reuse systems that qualify for EPR exemptions
• First-mover positioning within regulatory frameworks delivers competitive advantage. Participants in Wales' Digital DRS trial for reusables will influence system design standards, establish operational precedents, and build institutional knowledge that translates to reduced compliance costs and market leadership as regulations expand.

These policy drivers formed the foundation for the practical system design work undertaken at the roundtable, where participants translated regulatory requirements into operational frameworks for the trial.

What We Accomplished

The roundtable delivered on its core objective: co-creating system architecture for reusable packaging within Wales' Digital Deposit Return Scheme. Participants worked on defining collection protocols, reverse logistics networks, and redistribution frameworks, analyzing how we can move from regulatory requirements to operational reality.

Key outcomes included:

System Design Foundations: Working groups mapped the technical and operational requirements for integrating reusable packaging into Wales' digital deposit return scheme, addressing supply chain implications, data flows, and financial settlement mechanisms.

Infrastructure Planning: Cost-benefit modeling sessions identified specific infrastructure requirements for the trial, establishing the practical groundwork for Wales-wide implementation ahead of mandatory reuse targets.

Partnership Development: The roundtable represents genuine cross-sector collaboration with producers, brands, major retailers, government agencies, and operational partners building the infrastructure before regulations take effect.

First-Mover Positioning

Early participants are capturing tangible advantages: direct influence over system design, reduced compliance costs quantified in millions of pounds annually, and competitive positioning in the reuse economy ahead of regulatory mandates. The trial represents an opportunity for Wales' first coordinated Digital DRS pilot for reusables, with participants establishing the operational standards that will shape broader market implementation.

We are mobilizing quickly to secure wider industry buy-in for the trial. The consortium will include government, producers, waste operators, wash partners and retail outlets who will have a unique opportunity to get involved with building a commercially viable reuse system. Each stakeholder group benefits in different ways, for instance, waste contractors can boost their bottom line by incorporating reuse infrastructure, unlocking new revenue streams alongside traditional waste services.

For consortium participation inquiries or potential trial involvement, contact us directly at hello@clubzero.co. There will be a limited number of spaces available for the Cardiff trial, please get in touch today if you’re keen to be involved.

Acknowledgments

Our sincere thanks to Hensol Castle for hosting us and providing exceptional facilities for this critical work. Their support enabled the productive environment necessary for genuine system co-creation.

To all participants and businesses consulted over the last few months: Thank you! Your time and contributions are driving Wales' transition to reusable packaging infrastructure. The practical mapping, technical discussions, and collaborative problem-solving are translating directly into operational frameworks that will serve the industry for decades.

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Llywodraeth Cymru / Welsh Government , UK Government, Local Partnerships LLP, The HEINEKEN Company, The Coca-Cola Company, AB InBev, Asahi Beverages, Boots UK, Molsen Coors, Morrisons, Marks and Spencer, Ocado Retail, Sainsbury's, SAVERGLASS, Tesco, Verallia, Waitrose & Partners, Aldi UK, Hensol Castle Distillery, WWF, Again, British Retail Consortium, ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores), Browne Jacobson, The Food and Drink Federation, Biffa, Wastesavers.

Watch this space to see what’s next.

For consortium participation inquiries or potential trial involvement, contact us directly at hello@clubzero.co. There will be a limited number of spaces available for the Cardiff trial, please get in touch today if you’re keen to be involved.

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