PackUK has published its 2027 Recyclability Assessment Methodology, setting out how producers must evaluate household packaging supplied during the 2027 reporting year. The updated RAM will determine whether packaging receives a red, amber or green recyclability rating under the UK’s Extended Producer Responsibility scheme.

The classification will directly influence modulated EPR fees, making recyclability a financial as well as an environmental issue. Packaging that performs well within existing collection, sorting and recycling systems should face a more favourable outcome, while difficult-to-recycle formats may attract higher costs.

RAM 2027 links packaging design decisions with recyclability evidence, regulatory reporting and producer fees.

The new methodology applies only to packaging placed on the UK market between 1 January and 31 December 2027. It does not change the rules for earlier periods. Producers reporting packaging supplied in 2025 or 2026 must continue using RAM version 1.1 while preparing their data, systems and packaging portfolios for the transition.

Large producers are legally required to assess the recyclability of household packaging and submit the results to the relevant environmental regulator alongside their other packaging information. The scope includes conventional household packs, glass drinks containers used in homes and formats commonly discarded in public bins.

Reusable and refillable household packaging must generally be assessed only when it is first supplied. This recognises that the same item may complete multiple use cycles without being repeatedly placed on the market as new packaging.

RAM 2027 examines packaging items and their components across eight material categories. Assessments consider four stages of the recycling chain:

1. Collection through established household or public systems.
2. Sortation at operational materials recovery facilities.
3. Reprocessing into usable secondary raw material.
4. Application in a recognised and functioning end market.

Claims that packaging is recycled at scale must be supported by evidence that it moves reliably through existing infrastructure. Pilot schemes, experimental technologies or potential future recycling routes are not sufficient to establish large-scale recyclability.

A green rating indicates that packaging is broadly recyclable through current UK systems. Amber applies where collection, sorting or reprocessing limitations reduce efficiency, material quality or recovery rates, or where specialist infrastructure is required.

A red rating is assigned when packaging cannot move dependably through the system, creates serious sorting or processing problems, or lacks an established end market. Some formats will be automatically classified as red because of legal restrictions, chemical risks or documented negative effects on recycling operations.

This means technical recyclability alone will not guarantee a positive assessment. A pack may theoretically be recyclable but still receive a red result if it cannot be processed safely and consistently within current UK infrastructure.

• Design teams should review every component, including labels, sleeves, closures and barriers.
• Compliance teams must maintain evidence supporting recyclability claims.
• Procurement teams should consider future EPR costs when selecting materials.
• Producers should prepare early for annual RAM revisions.

PackUK intends to update the methodology each year as new evidence, infrastructure and market conditions emerge. UK Packaging PRO, the appointed Producer Responsibility Organisation, is also expected to play an important role in future RAM development and producer guidance.

For packaging businesses, RAM 2027 reinforces the need to connect design for recycling with real system performance. Material choices made now could determine both future compliance costs and whether packaging is recognised as recyclable under EPR.