EPR Changes: What RAM Version 1.1 Means for Your Business

What Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM) Version 1.1 means for your business

We assess how the recent changes to the Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM) under Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) will affect your business.

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is reshaping how businesses handle packaging waste. With a clear goal of reducing environmental impact, EPR puts the onus on producers to ensure the packaging they place on the market is recyclable and responsibly managed. As of October 2026, producers will be financially incentivised to use more sustainable packaging materials, based on how easily they can be recycled.

To help producers prepare, the government’s new recycling body PackUK has just released Version 1.1 of the Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM). This updated framework is designed to make it easier for businesses to understand how recyclable their packaging is—and what that means for future costs.

The RAM is set to apply to all large producers with an annual turnover of £2m or more and those which are responsible for supplying or importing more than 50 tonnes of packaging into the UK per year.

[1] https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/packuk

What is RAM?

RAM is the tool used to score packaging materials based on how easily they can be recycled in the UK. Materials are rated:

• Green – easily recycled (e.g. clear PET plastic bottles, plain cardboard boxes)
• Amber – recyclable with conditions (e.g. some laminated papers or coloured plastics)
• Red – hard or impossible to recycle (e.g. black plastic trays, plastic film pouches)

From October 2026, these scores will directly influence the fees producers pay under the EPR scheme. So, the more recyclable your packaging, the lower your bill.

For example, a detergent brand using clear PET bottles and minimal labelling might earn ‘Green’ ratings across the board. Meanwhile, a beauty company using glossy black plastic caps or metallic labels could face higher fees unless they switch materials.

What’s new in RAM Version 1.1?

The new version contains several useful updates aimed at making life easier for producers:

1. A simpler assessment process RAM has been streamlined to reduce confusion and make it more accessible, even for smaller businesses without a sustainability team. It’s now clearer to determine which category your packaging falls into.
2. Expanded exemptions for DRS containersCompanies producing and using single-use drinks containers are given leeway: RAM 1.1 exempts those that will be covered under the UK’s upcoming Deposit Return Schemes (DRS). Whether you’re a soft drinks brand or a brewery, you can now plan your packaging with this in mind.
3. Revised material classifications A few key updates reflect real-world packaging practices:
   • Minor stains on paper/cardboard packaging: For example, grease on a pizza box, are no longer an automatic fail. That’s good news for takeaway and food delivery businesses.
   • Black inks and pigments: If carbon black covers over half your packaging, it may still be problematic, but the rules are now more nuanced.These changes aim to strike a balance between environmental ambition and commercial reality.

Comments from ERP UK

John Redmayne, Managing Director of ERP UK, says the update is a welcome step—but not a silver bullet.

“This makes recyclability assessments more practical, especially for businesses juggling complex product lines. But the challenge now is ensuring the fee system truly rewards greener choices—getting that modulation right is vital.”

For businesses with mixed materials or layered packaging, such as those in luxury retail or personal care, the path to compliance still requires careful planning

Act now

With data reporting for 2024 activities due in 2025, here’s what we recommend:

• Review the updated RAM guidance – it’s clearer and more user-friendly, but you still need to check where your packaging stands.
• Start assessing now – don’t wait until 2026. Begin benchmarking your packaging against RAM criteria so you can plan ahead.
• Talk to your compliance scheme provider – ERP UK offer a expert service and advice to make this process smoother for you.

Future-proof your packaging

The EPR rollout is one of the biggest shifts in UK packaging regulation in years. But with updates like RAM Version 1.1 and the right support, producers can stay ahead of the curve.

ERP UK is here to help you make sense of these changes and turn compliance into an opportunity. Now’s the time to get informed, get organised, and make sure your packaging choices are future-proof.

Related services

Large Producers: If you would like to learn more about RAM/ Producer responsibility visit our webpage here

EPR: If you would like to learn more about Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) visit our webpage here

About ERP UK

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Contact us today:

Telephone: +44 (0)20 3142 6452

E-mail: uk@erp-recycling.org

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