LONDON, July 1 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news:

PackUKhas today (1 July 2026) published the latest update to the Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM)after significant industry consultation. The next iteration, referred to as RAM 2027, is the framework producers must use to assess the recyclability of household packaging placed on the market in 2027 under the Extended Producer Responsibility forpackaging (pEPR) scheme.

RAM assessment outcomesdeterminewhether packaging is rated red,amberor green, influencing fee modulation and supporting the transition to a more circular packaging system.

Supporting clearer and more consistent assessments

RAM 2027 builds on version 1.1, published in April 2025, and reflects extensive engagement with industry, including producers, tradeassociationsand technical specialists. The updatedmethodologyresponds directly to stakeholder feedback, with a focus on improving clarity,consistencyandaccessibility.

The changes, whichinclude refinements to material rules, definitions,assessment guidance,structure and usability,are designed togiveproducersconfidencein theirassessmentsbyreducingambiguity and making it easier to apply themethodologyin practice. RAM 2027 also strengthens the link between recyclability ratings andreal‑worldrecycling outcomes, ensuring assessments better reflect how packaging is managed across the full recycling process.

Driving betteroutcomes andpackaging design

By aligning more closely withreal‑worldsystem performance and embedding feedback from across the sector, RAM 2027enablesimproved recyclability and encourages more sustainable packaging design. This will help deliver better outcomes for producers,widerindustryandlocal authorities,while supporting progress towards a more circular economy.

In the coming years, the recently appointed Producer Responsibility Organisation, UK Packaging PRO, willplay a significant role inshapingthe ongoing development of the RAMand further guidance for producers.

What this means for producers

RAM 2027 applies to packaging supplied in 2027 and does not affect reporting for 2025 or 2026. Producers shouldtherefore familiarise themselves with RAM 2027 ahead of the next reportingyear butcontinue to use RAM version 1.1 for current reporting periods. It is vital that producersensure they are referring to thecorrect version for eachassessment.

* RAM 1.1 covers the reporting period 1January to 31 December 2026, with the submission deadlines of 1October 2026 (H1)and 1 April 2027(H2). * RAM 2027 covers the reporting period1 January 2027 to 31 December2027, with the submission deadlinesof 1 October 2026 (H1) and 1 April2028 (H2).

Further information

The RAM is designed to be updatedannuallytoadapt to industry changes and developments, withRAM 2027beingthe first update under the new annual update cycle set out in theRAM Roadmap.It provides early visibility of how themethodologywill continue to develop over time, supporting ongoing collaboration and continuous improvement across the packaging system.

To read the full RAM 2027methodologyand guidance, visit:Assess packaging recyclability: recyclability assessment methodology (RAM) 2027 - GOV.UK

Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.