Unlocking £27m in EPR savings with improved RAM data
The problem
Data improvements required for EPR
One of the UK’s largest multi-channel retailers, with thousands of product lines, faced a significant data challenge under the introduction of Packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and the new Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM).
EPR and RAM significantly increased the level of detail required when reporting their packaging data. Under RAM rules, every packaging component must be assessed for recyclability and classified as:
- Green – widely recyclable
- Amber – recyclable with specialist infrastructure
- Red – difficult to recycle
EPR fees are highest for Amber and Red components, with modulation set to increase these costs further over the following three years. Critically, any packaging with an unknown RAM status must be reported as Red by default, immediately attracting the highest fees.
With tens of thousands of products, the scale of the data challenge was substantial. Our previous Ecosurety Collect project had clarified nearly 10,000 SKUs, but without rapid clarification of remaining unknown RAM ratings, they faced significant and avoidable EPR costs.
Our solution
Efficiently identifying RAM ratings
We combined expert insight with our data platform to rapidly reduce unknown classifications at scale:
- Our expert advisors completed categorical assessments with the retailer for over 3,000 SKUs, responsible for more than 50,000 tonnes of packaging. Leveraging our cutting-edge data platform and analytical tools enabled us to identify RAM ratings for specific known packaging formats and materials without further supplier engagement.
- Next, we designed and delivered a targeted, fast-turnaround supplier data project. This was focused on reducing unknown RAM classifications for a further 3,100 SKUs as efficiently as possible, which we could not determine ourselves.
- This enabled us to capture detailed component-level packaging information. This allowed us to assess whether packaging met specific Amber or Red criteria under RAM. We reviewed submissions for accuracy, validated results and updated the EPR reporting data accordingly.
From project kick-off to improved data outputs, delivery took just four weeks.
We took a strategic, high-impact approach:
Targeting high-impact categories
We identified and focused efforts on high-impact product categories for maximum return.
Strategically targeting suppliers
We identified suppliers who were most likely to deliver improved recyclability outcomes.
Maximising supplier responses
We engaged 100 priority suppliers with a clear, easy-to-complete questionnaire to maximise response rates.
The benefits
Reliable data. Better insights. Accurate EPR submissions.
Within just four weeks, the project delivered confirmed RAM outcomes for:
- Over 6,200 SKUs
- Over 75,000 tonnes of packaging
- 100 suppliers
By converting unknown classifications into accurate Green or Amber ratings where appropriate, the project delivered immediate and substantial cost mitigation.
- £2m+ EPR cost mitigation in year one alone
- £27m+ forecast savings over three years, as fee modulation intensifies
The project delivered an exceptional return on investment in an impressively short timeframe. It clearly demonstrated how leveraging strategic insights combined with targeted supplier engagement to drive improvements in data can unlock value at scale, while strengthening compliance confidence under EPR.
This project has also paved the way for Ecosurety to work with the retailer on a bigger strategic programme to drive packaging transformation – to identify future opportunities that improve environmental impact, aligned with their ambitious sustainability strategy.
“This project shows what’s possible when you focus supplier data effort in the right places, with the best data expertise and tech. By targeting the highest impact categories, working directly with select suppliers and collaborating closely with the retailer, we were able to turn uncertainty into clarity - at speed - and deliver substantial, long-term EPR fee mitigation. This is a textbook example of how accurate data can substantially change the commercial reality of EPR compliance.”
Jon Brookes
Chief Partnerships & Growth Officer, Ecosurety
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