Ex-ABF finance chief picked as chair of UK deposit return scheme operator

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John Bason, finance director of Primark parent company Associated British Foods (ABF) for over 20 years, was announced as the chair of the UK Deposit Management Organisation (UK DMO) yesterday

The UK DMO is a not-for-profit organisation tasked with designing and operating the deposit return scheme (DRS) for single-use plastic and metal drink containers in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

As well as his role at ABF, Bason was chair of FareShare, the charity network that helps distribute surplus food from the industry to charities and community groups across the country. He also had previous roles at United Biscuits, Bunzl and as senior independent director at food service firm Compass Group.

“The Deposit Return Scheme 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 firsthand the positive impact that such schemes can have,” said Bason in a statement released yesterday.

Mary Creagh, circular economy minister at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said “I look forward to working closely with John and the team to deliver the deposit return scheme, which will stop the avalanche of rubbish that is filling up our streets and rivers, while kickstarting economic growth and creating new green jobs.”

The deposit return scheme is due to launch in October 2027. It will mean that buyers of drinks packages in plastic or metal will be charged a deposit at the point of purchase. This deposit will be returned when handed back in at a recycling point.

It mirrors schemes in other European countries like Germany and Ireland. The average return rate in these countries is 87%, with Germany achieving a return rate of 98% according to NGO Reloop. In the UK, 17 million single-use drinks containers go to waste each day, according to government statistics.

“We welcome John Bason to his new role as chair of the Deposit Management Organisation. His experience in retail will be invaluable as we work together to ensure the Deposit Return Scheme delivers real environmental benefits for consumers,” said Naomi Brandon-Bravo, sustainability policy adviser at the BRC.