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.”