Part of our Responsible Packaging guidance
Last updated: April 2026

Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM)

The Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM) is changing how businesses assess packaging under Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). For large producers, it introduces a clear link between how recyclable packaging is and how much it costs. This page explains what RAM is, who it affects, and what you should be reviewing now.

Download the RAM Explainer (PDF)

The short version

  • RAM rates household packaging green, amber or red based on how recyclable it is.
  • Those ratings feed directly into the EPR fees a producer pays from 2026.
  • More recyclable packaging means lower costs. Harder-to-recycle packaging means higher costs.
  • Missing data is treated as red, so accurate packaging data matters.
  • Even if you are not directly obligated, RAM can still reach you through customer requirements and the supply chain.

Why this matters

Recyclability is no longer just a sustainability consideration. Under EPR, it is becoming a direct cost factor.

RAM brings this into focus by introducing a structured way of assessing packaging. For many businesses, the question is no longer “Is this recyclable?” but “How will this be classified, and what will it cost?”

What is RAM?

The Recyclability Assessment Methodology is used under UK EPR to assess how recyclable household packaging is within the UK’s current recycling infrastructure. Each packaging item is assessed and given a rating:

Green Widely recyclable
Amber Recyclable with limitations
Red Difficult to recycle

These ratings directly affect the EPR disposal fees a producer will pay from 2026.

How does RAM fit with EPR?

RAM is part of the wider EPR framework. EPR requires businesses to report packaging and pay for waste management. RAM determines how those costs are calculated, based on recyclability. Together they mean:

  • More recyclable packaging – lower costs
  • Harder-to-recycle packaging – higher costs

Who does RAM affect?

RAM applies to large producers under EPR.

Obligation thresholds

  • Turnover of £2 million or more
  • Handling more than 50 tonnes of packaging annually

Packaging in scope

  • Household packaging
  • Packaging likely to end up in public bins
  • Glass drinks containers

Not in scope

  • Reusable packaging
  • Export packaging
  • Drinks containers covered by Deposit Return Schemes

In practice

Even if you are not directly obligated, RAM may still affect you through:

  • Customer requirements
  • Packaging specifications
  • Cost pass-through in the supply chain

What should businesses be reviewing now?

RAM is not just a reporting exercise. It is a packaging review exercise. A practical starting point:

  • Which packaging lines are likely to be classed as red or amber
  • Where materials or formats could improve recyclability
  • Whether you have accurate packaging data
  • Where supplier information is missing
  • How recyclability links to cost under EPR

In practice, this often highlights packaging that has not been reviewed for some time.

What do you need to do?

For large producers

  • Assess packaging under RAM criteria
  • Record red, amber or green ratings
  • Submit results alongside EPR data
  • Reassess when specifications change

For all businesses

  • Gather material and specification data
  • Understand packaging composition
  • Ensure supplier data is available
  • Prepare for future recyclability reporting
  • Be aware of potential cost impacts through the supply chain

Not sure where your packaging stands?

We’ll assess your packaging and show you where recyclability affects cost.

Book a packaging audit

How does RAM impact cost?

RAM introduces a direct link between recyclability and cost:

Rating Effect on EPR fees
Green Lower EPR fees
Amber Standard fees
Red Higher fees
Missing data Treated as red

In practice

  • Two similar packaging formats may carry different costs
  • Poor data can increase costs unnecessarily
  • Small material changes can shift classifications

Common misunderstandings

“We don’t need to worry about RAM yet.” For large producers, RAM is already part of EPR reporting. For others, it is coming through supply chains.
“Recyclable means low cost.” Not always. It depends on how packaging performs across collection, sorting and reprocessing.
“We don’t have the data, so we’ll deal with it later.” Missing data is typically treated as red, which increases cost.

How Samuel Grant Packaging can help

We take a practical approach to RAM:

  • Identify packaging likely to be rated red or amber
  • Provide material and specification data
  • Recommend practical changes to improve recyclability
  • Support alignment with EPR reporting
  • Help balance performance, cost and compliance

We’ll assess your packaging, highlight where recyclability affects cost and help you stay on top of RAM.

Talk to us about a packaging audit

A free review of your full packaging process, with clear next steps.

Get in touch

Related packaging regulations

RAM sits alongside other packaging regulations, which are increasingly linked. Together, these influence how packaging is specified, measured and costed.

EPR Extended Producer Responsibility – reporting and waste costs PPT Plastic Packaging Tax – tax based on recycled content PPWR Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation – EU requirements affecting exports

Further guidance

For detailed guidance, download the explainer or visit the Government RAM guidance, or speak to your Samuel Grant Packaging account manager.

Download the RAM Explainer (PDF)

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