Who assesses recyclability under RAM?
Recyclability Assessment Methodology determines your fee modulation. It is also the part of EPR most producers have no visibility over — the assessment happens, the fee changes, and the reasoning isn't obvious.
RAM assessment: how it works
The producer is. Under UK EPR for packaging, large producers are legally required to use the Recyclability Assessment Methodology to assess the household packaging they supply. They must then report a red, amber or green rating for it. You can get help with the assessment, but the legal responsibility stays with you.
You need evidence that your packaging meets the definition of the material category you report it under. You also need evidence supporting the rating at each stage of recyclability. That typically means specifications, supplier declarations and test or guidance references for each component. Ratings based on assumptions, or on outdated guidance, are a common failure point. Inaccurate ratings can mean higher fees and regulatory scrutiny.
Your suppliers hold much of the information you need, such as material composition, inks, adhesives and labels. They can't sign off your rating for you, though. Use their data as evidence, check it is specific to the packaging you actually buy, and keep the record. Generic recyclability claims from a supplier aren't enough on their own.
Yes. Many producers use a specialist to run the assessment, gather the evidence and prepare the ratings for reporting. This is often the practical choice for large or complex ranges. You remain responsible for what is submitted, so choose a provider who explains how each rating was reached. Ecoveritas assesses packaging at component level and keeps the evidence behind every rating.
PackUK, the scheme administrator for EPR for packaging, publishes the methodology. The environmental regulators in each UK nation enforce reporting. Use the right version for each year: RAM version 1.1 for the 2026 reporting year, and RAM 2027 for the 2027 reporting year.