The first minister said the Scottish government is looking at options on how the scheme can progress without damaging Scottish businesses, but if no alternative can be found, the proposals may not continue.
Scotland’s DRS is due to begin in March 2024, with the earlier start date forcing ministers to seek an exemption from UK-wide legislation which aims to ensure there are no trade barriers between the four nations.
The UK government agreed the temporary exemption from the Internal Market Act, but insisted the Scottish scheme cannot include glass in order to match a similar initiative in England due to begin in 2025.
Under plans outlined for Scotland, shoppers would pay a 20p deposit every time they buy a drink in a can or bottle, with that money refunded to them when the empty containers are returned for recycling.
Yousaf said excluding glass could be at the “severe detriment” to Scottish brands such as Irn-Bru and Tennent’s.
The issue has caused another...