PackUK releases Recyclability Assessment Methodology 2027
The updated Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM) has been published - it is applicable to packaging placed on the market from 1 January 2027 onwards.
The revised version consolidates the guidance into two documents and aims to improve readability. RAM 2027 also introduces several significant changes to material classifications and data collection requirements for next year.
What are the key changes?
Packaging assessed under the RAM receives a green, amber, or red rating to indicate its relative recyclability. The criteria used to determine these ratings have changed across most material categories in RAM 2027.
For example, any packaging containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) levels above 1 ppm, or 25 ppb for food contact formats, will automatically receive a ‘red’ rating from next year. Additional changes include:
- A ‘red’ rating for any paper or card packaging designed for food to be heated within it.
- New ‘red’ rating criteria for rigid plastics containing trigger sprays with contaminating materials, or with adhered labels that are resistant to a 70–90°C hot wash.
- An ‘amber’ rating for fibre-based composite liquid cartons, reflecting the current lack of reprocessing infrastructure in the UK.
These changes follow work undertaken by the RAM Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) and other stakeholders, and are intended to better reflect actual UK recycling practices rather than theoretical reprocessing capabilities.
“We welcome the approach PackUK has taken to updating recyclability definitions. Releasing the revised methodology now gives us time to recodify our members' packaging and explain what these changes might mean for their costs, well ahead of the October 2027 reporting deadlines. This early visibility provides a clear signal that can be used to further improve packaging and reduce the amount of unrecyclable waste produced. Most of the changes are clarifications and simplifications, such as explaining the evidence base used to determine whether an item of packaging is ‘commonly collected’. However, there are also some welcome adjustments, particularly those that more closely align technical recyclability factors with real-world practices. The new EPR system is designed to create an efficient and effective framework that promotes recyclable packaging. While these annual technical updates can be challenging for producers to keep pace with, they are necessary to ensure that definitions keep up with the evolving recycling landscape.”
Robbie Staniforth
Chief Policy and Impact Officer
What should producers do now?
Producers required to report RAM ratings for household and commonly binned packaging should continue to use the current version (RAM V1.1) until reporting begins for H1 2027 packaging supply data later that year.
However, producers should be aware that the updates could impact how their packaging is classified under the RAM in the future. We recommend that producers familiarise themselves with RAM 2027 now so they have sufficient time to respond and make changes to packaging before it is placed on the market next year. The full RAM 2027 can be found here.
How we can help
To help our members prepare for RAM 2027 we will be renewing our guidance on the Ecosurety Hub and creating a RAM 2027 Component Checker, which will be available alongside the existing version. This will enable members to assess their packaging against the current RAM and the new version.
To find out more about RAM 2027 and how it will impact you, sign up to our webinar on 31 July. In this webinar our team will run through the newly released RAM 2027, including insight into key differences from RAM V1.1 and guidance on how to stay compliant.
Sign up here.
If you have any questions in the meantime, please contact our team.
by Louisa Goodfellow
Policy Manager
2 July, 2026
As Policy Manager Louisa provides key support to our team, including preparing reports on environmental policy issues and maintaining awareness of new developments.
