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Recycling Assessment Methodology Explained
Recycling Assessment Methodology (RAM) - Explained
The introduction of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is transforming how UK businesses approach packaging.
A key part of this change is the Recycling Assessment Methodology (RAM). Separating packaging into Red, Amber and Green traffic light system, the RAM is a framework for measuring how recyclable your packaging is in practice. The goal is to make companies more accountable for their packaging by adding a financial incentive.
RAM Traffic Light Ratings
Recyclability Ratings Table (RAM)
Packaging is assigned a traffic light rating based on how well it performs in the recycling system.
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|
Rating |
Recyclability |
Fee Impact |
|---|---|---|
|
Red |
Not commonly recycled |
Highest fee |
|
Amber |
Limited recycling |
Middle fee |
|
Green |
Widely Collected at Kerbside |
Lowest fee |
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What is RAM?
The Recycling Assessment Methodology (RAM) is the UK’s standardised system for assessing whether packaging can be effectively recycled through existing infrastructure. This applies to packaging that is likely to end up as waste, which is collected by the local authority.
It looks beyond theory and focuses on:
Classification – What is it? What is it made of?
Collection – Can it be collected easily? Do local authorities collect it, or is it more specialist?
Sortation – Can these materials be sorted using our current infrastructure?
Reprocessing – Is reprocessing possible without contamination?
Application – Can the materials replace virgin materials? Is there demand for the recycled material?
Each of these things affects the rating of a material. To achieve a green ranking, a product needs to perform well in each category.
What Impacts Your RAM Score?
Many packaging formats fall short due to avoidable design issues, such as:
Combining materials that can’t be separated
Using difficult-to-recycle films or laminates
Dark plastics that sorting systems can’t detect
Labels or adhesives that contaminate recycling
Residual product contamination
Even small design changes can significantly improve your rating.
Who Needs to Comply?
RAM applies to packaging that is likely to end up in domestic waste (Household bins, or pubic bins)
This includes product packaging, E-commerce packaging, secondary packaging likely to enter household waste, and items commonly disposed of in public bins
From 2025, reporting on this packaging is a requirement.
What Impacts Your RAM Score?
Many packaging formats fall short due to avoidable design issues, such as:
Combining materials that can’t be separated
Using difficult-to-recycle films or laminates
Dark plastics that sorting systems can’t detect
Labels or adhesives that contaminate recycling
Residual product contamination
Even small design changes can significantly improve your rating.
Why RAM Matters
Recycling assessment methodology matters because it encourages the packaging waste generator to be accountable for it. Trickier processing means higher base fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the recycling assessment methodology?
The Recycling Assessment Methodology (RAM) is a framework used to assess how recyclable packaging is when it gets into current UK recycling systems. It evaluates packaging across collection, sorting, reprocessing, and end market viability to assign a recyclability rating.
What is a RAM report?
A Recycling Assessment Methodology report is a documented assessment of your packaging’s recyclability. It outlines the materials used, how each component performs against RAM criteria, and the resulting red, amber, or green classification used for EPR reporting.
The advice in this article is a simplified overview of the Recyclability Assessment Methodology – it is not a substitute for advice, nor comes with any guarantees. If you need more information, we recommend visiting the Government Website.
If you are interested in Packaging, Springpack are experts in the field. Our team of Packaging Experts have all of the answers to your packaging questions. Why not get in touch with us today?