Supporting a circular economy in Scotland

These remain challenging times for businesses and communities across Scotland, with the cost of living crisis continuing to significantly impact people’s lives and livelihoods. Against this backdrop, it is understandable that the drive towards creating a more sustainable society may not always be seen as the most pressing issue. However, if we are to effectively tackle the impacts of climate change and Scotland is to achieve its target of net zero emissions by 2045, there must be continuing progress in this area.

As a major global organisation, we at CCEP recognise that we have an important role to play, not just in regard to our own operations, but also in how we work with our retail, supply chain and hospitality partners and how we help the shoppers who purchase our drinks to make sustainable decisions.

Like many manufacturing companies, we know that packaging is a major contributor to our overall carbon footprint and it’s why we are focused on removing unnecessary packaging and ensuring what we do use is recovered and recycled.

As part of this we have long supported the introduction of a well-designed Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) across Great Britain as the best way of increasing the recovery and recycling of drinks containers and tackling litter.

Clearly, the implementation of the Deposit Return Scheme in Scotland has not been without challenges, and we recognise that many stakeholders have concerns about how the scheme will impact businesses and consumers.

Jim Fox, Head of Public Affairs for Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP)

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The SNP files its accounts on deadline dayThe SNP has submitted its financial returns to Westminster bosses on deadline day in a move set to protect the party from £1m in losses.

SNP leader Humza Yousaf and Westminster chief Stephen Flynn came under pressure after it emerged that its auditors had quit.

The firm ended its services to the SNP in October, a fact that emerged during the recent contest to replace Nicola Sturgeon as party leader.

It took six months to find a replacement and there were questions over whether or not the party's Westminster group would meet the deadline for reporting to Commons authorities.

Failure to do so would have seen the SNP lose around £1m in "short money", which pays for staffing and research. The cash is payable to all opposition parties in the UK Parliament.

However, SNP Westminster group treasurer Peter Grant yesterday confirmed that the paperwork has been completed and submitted.

Chris Marshall

@chrismarshll