Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM)
From 1st January 2025, liable producers must assess their obligated household packaging using the Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM).
The output of the RAM will be a rating for each kind of packaging – red, amber or green. From 2026, assessed packaging will attract varying EPR fees, with red packaging attracting the highest costs and green the lowest. This is the modulated fees which start in 2026.
Who should use the Recyclability Assessment Methodology?
Only large producers who supply household packaging are obliged to assess such packaging using the RAM. Every individual packaging component must be assessed separately.
What does the output mean?
The output of the RAM is a rating of red, amber or green. Each of these is describe below:
- Red packaging is that which has elements which make it difficult to recycle at scale
- Amber packaging has some difficulties in being widely recycled, such as limited collection and sortation, requiring specialist infrastructure for reprocessing or an output that is limited in use or quality
- Green packaging is widely recyclable in the current UK infrastructure
What is involved in the RAM?
The RAM involves the following key stages of assessment:
- Classifying – what material type is used? Which packaging unit are you assessing?
- Collection – how widely is the material collected by local authorities?
- Sorting – Can the packaging be sorted at scale?
- Reprocessing – Can the packaging be reprocessed easily and without harm?
- Application – Are there any contaminants that would impact the process or output?
Trusted by industry leaders:
Need help with the Recyclability Assessment Methodology?
To find out how we can help you navigate the new and uncertain waves of Recyclability Assessment Methodology, contact us today.