Soft drinks giants Coca-Cola and Red Bull are amongst a rising record of companies seeking to declare hundreds of thousands of kilos in compensation after the collapse of Scotland’s controversial deposit return scheme, Sky News understands.
The Scottish Government’s recycling plans, which might have seen customers pay an additional 20p on single-use bottles and cans, has been delayed till at the least October 2025.
The drinks trade had invested hundreds of thousands of kilos getting ready to start operations in March 2024, regardless of many arguing it will have imposed probably deadly prices on their companies.
Some senior figures additionally raised issues the scheme would have created a commerce barrier between Scotland and the remainder of the UK.
On Wednesday, Holyrood blamed the collapse of Scotland’s system on the UK Government, after Downing Street dominated it may solely go forward with out glass bottles included in it.
With related schemes in the remainder of the UK not resulting from come into impact till 2025, the Scottish authorities sought an exemption from the Internal Market Act – which regulates commerce within the completely different components of the UK following Brexit.
Sky News understands the British Soft Drinks Association, which represents Coca-Cola, Irn Bru makers AG Barr and Britvic, will meet subsequent week.
It is believed the discussions will embody how the physique intends to say compensation for the “millions wasted” on getting ready for a bespoke Scottish system which isn’t going forward.
Innis and Gun, one of many UK’s largest craft beer companies, has additionally instructed Sky News it’s “carefully considering” whether or not to sue.
Read extra:
Scotland’s deposit return scheme ‘cannot go forward as deliberate’
Government accused of ‘sabotage’ over Scottish bottle return scheme
Forbes: Deposit return scheme wants transforming to ‘keep away from job losses’
The Edinburgh-based producer says it’s “consulting” with the trade about whether or not to say compensation from Holyrood ministers amid “huge frustration” on the wasted prices.
Founder Dougal Sharp stated: “I am hugely frustrated that we have a lot spent a lot of time, money and effort in a scheme that we have been warning the government about for years was not right.
“It has price us many, many hours of labor. It has price us some huge cash. We will seek the advice of with our colleagues and think about rigorously our subsequent steps. Every firm shall be seeking to defend its monetary place.”
Scottish Secretary Alister Jack beforehand rejected a suggestion from First Minister Humza Yousaf that the UK authorities ought to choose up the invoice if the scheme didn’t go forward as deliberate.
The Scottish Government has been approached for remark.
Source: information.sky.com”