Update: New Recyclability Assessment Methodology in the UK (RAM 1.1)

What’s new in RAM 1.1?

RAM 1.1 replaces the first version published on 23 December 2024. The UK authorities refined the methodology based on feedback from industry. If your organization has a turnover above £2 million and handles more than 50 tonnes of packaging per year, the RAM assessment is now mandatory. RAM 1.1 checks packaging through a five-step process, across eight material categories, to determine how recyclable the packaging is in today’s waste management system. It considers how current sorting machines work, if the materials can be reused, and the demand for recycled products. Packaging is than rated as:

• Green – easy to recycle
• Amber – recyclable, but with some difficulties
• Red – hard to recycle at large scale.

What does this mean for large producers?

You need to act quickly. Although reporting your packaging for the first half of 2025 using RAM 1.1 was optional, you must submit your report for the second half of 2025 by 27 February 2026.

Fee modulation linked to recyclability scores starts in the second half of 2026. This means:

• Packaging you design today affects your future fees. Especially materials such as electronics, PFAS, non-compliant inks and other harmful substances, which automatically receive a Red rating.
• From 2026 onwards, unassessed packaging automatically receives a Red rating, leading to significantly higher fees, with costs doubling by 2028/2029.

Why the change?

The goal is simple: stimulate better packaging design. By linking fees to recyclability, the UK encourages producers to choose materials that support a circular economy. Producers who redesign for a Green rating can reduce costs and demonstrate environmental leadership.
Fees collected from Red-rated packaging will help lower costs for green rated packaging, pushing producers to make more eco-friendly choices.

Need support with environmental (EPR) compliance?

Environmental obligations come with a significant amount of practical work: gathering packaging data, conducting RAM assessments, meeting reporting deadlines, and staying up to date with frequent regulatory changes. This is precisely where we can help.

At Pincvision, we take this workload off your hands. We support you in interpreting RAM 1.1 requirements, preparing and submitting your reports, and ensuring your organization remains fully compliant with UK EPR regulations. We monitor regulatory updates on your behalf and translate them into clear, actionable steps, so you always know what to do, without wasting valuable time.

Would you like to learn more about how we can assist you with your packaging data and reporting obligations? Schedule an (online) meeting or submit your question using the form below.

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Source: GOV.UK