PackUK has published updated Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM) guidance for packaging supplied during the 2027 reporting year.
The publication includes a RAM 2027 overview and materials assessment guidance, setting out how large producers must assess and report the recyclability of household packaging under packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR).
RAM 2027 will apply to packaging supplied between 1 January and 31 December 2027. Large producers should continue to use RAM version 1.1 to assess recyclability for the 2026 reporting year (1 January to 31 December 2026).
What has changed?
Key changes and updates include:
1. New automatic-red assessment criteria
RAM 2027 introduces criteria where packaging will automatically receive a red recyclability rating if specific conditions apply, including:
- Packaging containing substances of concern exceeding permitted limits under applicable UK regulations, including UK REACH, POPs and biocides legislation.
- Packaging exceeding specified PFAS limits, including additional restrictions applying to food-contact packaging where relevant.
- Printed packaging where inks do not meet recognised compliance requirements, including European Printing Ink Association (EuPIA) requirements where applicable.
- Packaging containing integrated electrical components, for example, boxes that include light emitting diode (LED) lights.
2. A revised assessment structure
Classification is no longer described as one of the five stages of recyclability.
Under RAM 2027, producers must classify the packaging before assessing it across four stages:
- Collection
- Sortation
- Reprocessing
- Application
This updated structure is designed to provide a clearer end-to-end assessment process and strengthen the link between recyclability ratings and real-world recycling outcomes.
3. Revised take-back provisions
RAM 2027 introduces revised requirements for packaging assessed through take-back routes.
Packaging already considered commonly collected or subject to limited collection routes may not be eligible to rely on a take-back scheme route.
Producers relying on a qualifying take-back scheme must also notify PackUK that the packaging is being reported as amber. Further guidance on this notification process is expected.
4. Updated material criteria:
The materials guidance contains revised red, amber and green assessment criteria across different packaging categories.
Producers should reassess their packaging against the updated requirements rather than assuming that an existing RAM 1.1 rating will remain unchanged.
RAM 2027 also brings component assessment, evidence requirements and reporting guidance together in one materials guidance document, supported by additional examples of how different packaging formats should be assessed and reported.
A clearer assessment process
The RAM 2027 materials assessment follows three main steps:
- Check whether the packaging meets any automatic red assessment criteria.
- Identify the correct material category.
- Assess the packaging through collection, sortation, reprocessing and application.
Packaging must achieve green at every stage to receive an overall green rating.
An amber result at any stage limits the overall rating to amber, while a red result at any stage results in an overall red rating.
Where a producer cannot provide sufficient evidence to support an amber or green rating, the packaging must be reported as red.
Why the changes matter
RAM ratings determine how household packaging waste disposal fees are modulated under packaging Extended Producer Responsibility.
PackUK’s published modulation policy progressively increases the fee multiplier applied to red-rated packaging. Producers should therefore review the new guidance early to identify packaging whose rating could change and address any gaps in their supporting evidence.
This may require additional information from packaging manufacturers and suppliers, particularly on material composition, coatings, inks, adhesives, electrical components and restricted substances.
What should producers do now?
Although RAM 2027 reporting does not begin until 2027 packaging data submissions, producers should start reviewing packaging portfolios against the updated criteria early.
Key actions include:
- Identifying packaging formats that may move between green, amber and red ratings.
- Reviewing supplier evidence and technical documentation.
- Checking material composition, coatings, inks, adhesives and restricted substance information.
- Engaging suppliers where additional evidence may be required.
Early preparation will help producers understand potential impacts before reporting deadlines and identify opportunities to improve recyclability.
How Clarity can help
Changes to material criteria, evidence requirements and assessment rules mean packaging previously assessed under RAM 1.1 cannot simply be carried forward. Producers need to reassess their packaging portfolios to understand how RAM 2027 could impact future recyclability ratings and EPR costs.
Clarity’s RAM Assess service provides a simple, scalable solution for managing recyclability assessments and staying aligned with the latest RAM requirements.
RAM Assess streamlines the entire recyclability assessment process, helping producer to:
- Classify packaging and apply the correct RAM assessment criteria at scale
- Assess large and complex packaging portfolios quickly and consistently.
- Identify packaging at risk of achieving red or amber ratings.
- Model the potential impact of modulated household packaging waste disposal fees.
- Highlight opportunities to improve recyclability outcomes and support future packaging decisions.
With RAM ratings directly influencing future household packaging waste disposal fees, early assessment can help producers reduce uncertainty, improve data accuracy and prepare confidently for upcoming reporting requirements.
As RAM continues to evolve, RAM Assess gives producers the tools stay ahead of changing regulations and manage recyclability assessments more efficiently.
The full RAM 2027 guidance is available here:
