Clarification on RAM outcomes for flexible plastic packaging

There has been some confusion amongst industry as to whether flexible plastic packaging can be reported as ‘amber’ under the Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM).  

Until mandated collection under the ‘Simpler Recycling’ reforms in 2027, flexible plastic packaging will be assigned a ‘red’ RAM outcome at the ‘collection’ stage due to a low number of local authority collection services of this material from the kerbside in the UK.

This is unless the obligated packaging producer has evidence that flexible plastic is part of a valid take-back scheme and has evidence of recycling, in which case it will achieve an ‘amber’ rating at the ‘collection’ stage. The RAM states it ‘is the responsibility of the producer to prove they meet the criteria set out in the take-back protocol’.

Take-back protocol includes the following requirements 

• Must be accessible within normal businesses hours.
• Must be accessible within a maximum five (5) mile radius for at least 75% of the population.
• The scheme must be brand-agnostic and not require any prior purchase.
• There must be traceability of material, including evidence of recycling and a defined end-market for the reprocessed material.

Evidence-based paper

Ecosurety has created an evidence-based paper that demonstrates that flexible plastic take-back schemes meet the criteria set out in the RAM supplementary guidance. Organisations are encouraged to use this evidence as a guide and to undertake their own due diligence to ensure alignment with the take-back protocol requirements, particularly around evidence that the packaging is being recycled.

Ecosurety members can access this evidence in our knowledge article Identify RAM outputs for flexible plastic packaging, or request it from their account manager.

RAM Supplementary Guidance, including take-back requirements can be found here:

• Consumer takeback schemes: Collection points - evidencing accessibility
• Recyclability assessment methodology: supplementary guidance

If you need any support from our team, please don't hesitate to get in touch.

Ecosurety does not accept responsibility for individual producer compliance. It is the responsibility of the reporting producer to retain evidence that UK flexible plastic take-back schemes meet the take-back criteria within the RAM.