By Stewart Vincent, Managing Director, RVM Systems UK
For most Scottish retailers, the DRS conversation has been about machines, fees and exemptions. The other half of the conversation, and a very important one, is the customer.
Live markets across Europe tell a consistent story. In Ireland, overall recycling rates for plastic bottles and cans jumped from 49% to over 90% in under two years, and shoppers have built the empties run into their regular routine. Customers come to the store to return their containers, and they spend while they are there. Reverse vending machines drive footfall, and footfall drives basket spend. That is the commercial story Scottish retailers should be planning for, not just the compliance one.
Where you put the machine matters as much as the machine itself. Front of store keeps the experience visible and connected to the till, but risks creating a bottleneck at the busiest point of the shop. Back of store frees the front but routes customers carrying empties past your food displays, with hygiene risk and a basket full of bottles making it harder for them to pick up the items you want them buying. Indoor keeps the unit clean and easy to service. Outdoor protects floor space but needs lighting, security and weatherproofing. Every option has a trade-off, and the right answer depends on your store, your customers and your peak times.
Cleaning will be a daily reality. Leaking cans and sticky residue do not stay in the machine. Plan for it from day one.
The biggest opportunity is the experience itself. A well-sited, well-run, well-promoted RVM turns the empties run into a habit. Habits drive repeat returns, repeat returns drive repeat visits, and repeat visits drive basket spend. The voucher is the mechanic. Loyalty is the outcome.
With over 30 years in DRS markets globally, RVM Systems is ready to help Scottish retailers plan for the customer, not just the kit.
