As 2025 approaches, it’s crucial for organisations to evaluate their resources and capacity to meet the evolving demands of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). Accurate and efficient data management is essential to remain compliant and control costs. Now is the time to decide whether your internal resources are sufficient or if outsourcing packaging data management could provide the support you need.
Navigating Increasingly Complex EPR Requirements
EPR compliance is becoming more intricate, even for the most technically advanced companies. Rapidly evolving standards and reporting requirements demand accuracy that surpasses traditional data collection methods. Many businesses face challenges such as:
- Gathering raw data from various sources.
- Converting data into required formats.
- Managing spreadsheets across multiple systems.
These tasks are time-intensive, resource-draining, and increase operational complexity.
New Demands: The Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM)
From January 2025, the Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM) becomes mandatory for household packaging reporting. RAM links packaging recyclability to fee calculations within the modulated fee structure. This shift increases the importance of expertise in data reporting to avoid penalties and ensure cost efficiency.
Key Steps for 2025 EPR Compliance
To meet stricter compliance requirements in 2025, businesses will need to take several key steps, these include:
- Complete recyclability assessments using the newly introduced RAM.
- Provide detailed packaging data, including material composition, weights, and recyclability information.
- Strengthen internal processes for data collection, validation, and reporting.
- Upskill teams or seek expert support to meet evolving requirements.
- Refine packaging specifications to enhance recyclability and minimise costs.
- Stay informed on updated guidance and modulated fee categories.
Proactively adapting processes is critical as failing to meet these requirements could result in misaligned fees, penalties, and increased financial pressures.
“To overcome challenges in data collection, collation, and reporting, investing in robust data systems and specialist support is more important than ever. Producers will need to start ensuring data is precise, moving from “as accurate as reasonably possible” to “data that is accurate”. Inaccurate submissions risk overpayments under modulated fees using the RAM, making robust systems and expertise essential. As the standards evolve, so too must the approach to compliance.”
Martin Trigg-Knight
Director of Compliance Services
The Benefits of Outsourcing Packaging Data Management
Outsourcing data management offers businesses a strategic way to save time, reduce operational strain, and ensure compliance. Managing EPR requirements internally can be costly and resource-intensive due to recruitment, training, and system implementation.
Why Outsource?
- Access to Experts: Gain immediate access to professionals who specialise in EPR and packaging compliance.
- Cost Savings: Avoid the significant expenses of building an in-house team.
- Efficiency: Free up internal resources to focus on core operations.
Outsourcing ensures that data management is handled effectively, reducing the risk of penalties, over-reporting, and unnecessary fees.
Dynamic Data Solutions with Clarity
Our Dynamic Data team simplifies packaging data management by using advanced tools like our AI-assisted platform, Clarion, to turn raw data into actionable insights.
Bespoke Support
- Tailored Solutions: We work closely with you to align with your unique needs and operations.
- Seamless Integration: Acting as an extension of your team, we manage packaging data obligations with precision.
- Expert Guidance: Our team helps you navigate complex compliance challenges confidently.
We integrate seamlessly with your team, acting as an extension of your business rather than an external service. Our dedicated experts collaborate closely with you to understand your unique requirements and challenges, providing tailored solutions that align with your operations. By leveraging our resources, your packaging data obligations are managed effortlessly.
Example screenshot from Clarion, our packaging data management platform.
Financial Insights
- Cost Insights: Our innovative dashboard highlights cost drivers and helps you manage modulated fees effectively.
- Actionable Reporting: Receive insights to adapt your packaging strategy and meet evolving regulations.
Our dashboards offer powerful insights into where your costs are incurred, helping you make informed decisions and avoid paying more than necessary. With this cutting-edge platform, as well as our dedicated team of experts, we help you manage costs efficiently, particularly around modulated fees (fees that vary based on the recyclability of your packaging).
We provide comprehensive reporting and actionable insights, ensuring that your business remains compliant while optimising financial outcomes.
Collaborating with us, you can be confident that your data is accurate, your reporting deadlines are met, and your compliance strategy is proactive rather than reactive. We help you anticipate regulatory changes and adapt your packaging strategy, accordingly, avoiding potential penalties and ensuring ongoing compliance.
Data Ownership
- Your data remains your property, accessible to you at all times for complete transparency.
- Trusted by clients to deliver clarity, support, and strategic guidance in compliance and packaging reduction.
As an extension of your business, it is important to us to work collaboratively and remain transparent. We believe that your data belongs to your business and it remains available to you at all times.
