Envipco has signed a final agreement with Iceland Foods to supply reverse vending machines (RVMs) across the retailer’s UK store network ahead of the launch of the country's deposit return scheme (DRS) in October 2027.

The agreement confirms Envipco as Iceland’s exclusive RVM supplier, following the company’s announcement in March that it had been selected by an unnamed national UK retailer for a rollout of around 1,500 compact RVMs, subject to final contracts.

Delivery of the machines is expected to begin in spring 2027 and conclude ahead of the launch of the DRS across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland on 1 October 2027. The contract also includes servicing for all supplied machines.

According to Envipco, the compact RVMs have been designed for convenience and smaller-format stores with limited space, aligning with Iceland’s retail footprint.

Spencer Roberts, managing director for UK and Ireland at Envipco, said: “We are thrilled to be selected as exclusive supplier of RVMs to Iceland Foods across the UK. Iceland Foods is an innovative and corner-stone retailer showcasing its commitment to the environment, circular economy and the introduction of the UK DRS by being an early mover in rolling out a comprehensive network of RVMs across its retail outlets.”

He added that the UK DRS market remains a key part of Envipco’s growth strategy, with the company expanding operations from its Warrington offices and demonstration facilities to support retailers preparing for the scheme’s rollout.

An Iceland spokesperson said the retailer’s participation in the scheme forms part of its wider sustainability commitments.

“As part of our ongoing commitment to sustainability and reducing our environmental impact, we are proud to support the UK wide Deposit Return Scheme, helping our customers to recycle more easily as part of their everyday shop,” the spokesperson commented.

Under the forthcoming UK DRS, PET bottles and steel and aluminium cans between 150ml and 3-litres will carry a flat 20p deposit, refundable upon return through designated collection points including RVMs.

The scheme, managed by deposit management organisation Exchange for Change, aims to collect 90% of the estimated 26 billion single-use drinks containers placed on the UK market annually.

Envipco said the system is expected to require around 35,000 RVMs nationwide, spanning convenience stores through to large supermarkets.