A guide to the Recycling Assessment Methodology

The UK’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation is undergoing significant changes, and introducing a new recycling system is central to this shift. This will have a direct impact on your business’s packaging decisions.

But what is this new methodology, and how does it affect your operations?

The Recycling Assessment Methodology (RAM) is a standardised approach to assessing the recyclability of household packaging materials. It ensures that businesses are charged based on the actual recyclability of household packaging rather than just its ability to be collected. This change will incentivise companies to use more sustainable packaging solutions, driving them toward eco-friendly practices.

In this guide, we’ll explain the Recycling Assessment Methodology, why it’s important, and how to prepare your business for its implementation.

1. What is RAM?
2. How does it work?
3. How will you prepare?
4. How will RAM affect OPRL?
5. How does RAM work with EPR?
6. What does this mean for PRNs?
7. Summary

Introduced in December 2024, the Recycling Assessment Methodology (RAM) aims to standardise the way the recyclability of household packaging materials is measured in the UK. It’s a key element of the government’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation and ensures businesses contribute fairly to waste management costs based on how recyclable their packaging materials are.

This approach uses real-world data from waste management facilities to assess packaging materials based on their potential for collection, sorting, and reprocessing. As a result, businesses will face fees that reflect the true recyclability of their packaging, with harder-to-recycle materials attracting higher costs and more easily recyclable materials incentivised.

The first data submissions under this system are due by October 1, 2025.

To assess the recyclability of your packaging, the methodology evaluates each material through five stages:

• Classification
• Collection
• Sortation
• Reprocessing
• Application

Each stage may yield a different result for each component of your packaging, and the highest result determines the final category. The recyclability is then classified using a Red, Amber, Green (RAG) result system:

• Red: Difficult to recycle.
• Amber: May face challenges during collection, sorting or reprocessing.
• Green: Widely recycled within the current UK infrastructure.

Proper preparation is key to meeting the new requirements. First, identify all your packaging materials, including paper, plastics, metals, glass, and composites. Once you have a clear inventory, assess their recyclability and determine the RAG result for each.

Ensure you understand each material’s composition, separability, and processing at each stage of the recycling journey. Avoid gaps in data collection, as accuracy is crucial for compliance.

For each material assessed, gather verifiable evidence to support your RAG classification. This will help justify your packaging choices and avoid compliance issues. Packaging suppliers can provide valuable information about the recyclability of their materials and may already be familiar with the new requirements.

Currently, On-Pack Recycling Labels (OPRL) guide consumers on how likely they are to recycle packaging. However, with the new Recycling Assessment Methodology, there will be a national recyclability standard under the EPR legislation.

OPRL is adapting its Recyclability Assessment Tool to align with the new criteria. This will help brands make informed decisions about packaging design, minimising their financial obligations under EPR by considering factors like component size, packaging type, and materials.

The Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation shifts more responsibility onto businesses to manage the recovery and recycling costs of their packaging. The Recycling Assessment Methodology will play a key role in determining fees based on the recyclability of your packaging rather than relying on assumptions.

The methodology encourages businesses to use packaging materials that are easier to recycle by linking recyclability with financial obligations. Under the EPR legislation, packaging that is harder to recycle will incur higher costs, while more recyclable options will be financially incentivised.

The Recycling Assessment Methodology directly impacts Packaging Waste Recovery Notes (PRNs), which businesses must purchase to fulfil their recycling obligations. By assessing packaging based on recyclability, companies will face higher PRN fees for difficult-to-recycle materials and lower costs for more sustainable packaging options.

The shift encourages businesses to use more easily recyclable packaging, reducing both their environmental impact and PRN costs.

The Recycling Assessment Methodology (RAM) is a crucial aspect of the UK’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation. It influences both the recyclability of packaging and the costs businesses incur. With its five-stage assessment process and the Red, Amber, Green (RAG) classification system, this methodology encourages the use of sustainable packaging materials.

To prepare for the change, understand the composition of your packaging, gather the necessary data, and work with your suppliers to ensure compliance. By shifting to more recyclable materials for your packaging, you can reduce costs and contribute to a more circular economy.

As a customer of Suttons Performance Packaging, we can help you transition to packaging solutions that align with the new recycling regulations. Whether you need advice on selecting sustainable materials or designing eco-friendly packaging, our team is here to help you minimise environmental impact while achieving compliance.

For further assistance or to learn more about the Recycling Assessment Methodology, contact us today!