Packaging producers and other industry stakeholders are being invited to help shape future updates to the Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM), following the launch of a new evidence-led process by PackUK and the UK Packaging Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO).
Announced on 22 October 2026, the approach aims to give producers greater visibility of how proposed changes are assessed and prioritised, as well as clearer opportunities to contribute their own evidence and practical experience.
Producers and other stakeholders who want their proposals considered for RAM 2028 have until 31 December 2026 to submit them.
Why Does RAM Matter?
The RAM is used by obligated large producers to assess and report the recyclability of their household packaging. Its ratings are also used to determine how packaging waste disposal fees are modulated under Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for packaging.
Changes to the methodology can therefore affect how businesses assess their packaging and the fees they may face.
What Is Changing?
The new approach follows feedback from producers and stakeholders across the packaging value chain who called for greater predictability, clearer decision-making and more time to prepare for changes to the RAM.
PackUK is delegating elements of the annual update process to the UK Packaging PRO. The PRO will help coordinate, review and prioritise proposals from stakeholders, working with industry experts to develop evidence-based recommendations for PackUK.
PackUK will retain overall responsibility for overseeing and publishing the RAM.
What Does This Mean for RAM 2028?
RAM 2028 will be a transition year as PackUK and the UK Packaging PRO develop and refine the new process.
Changes are expected to focus on a smaller number of priority areas, including issues already raised by producers, such as guidance on take-back schemes. The aim is to move towards more targeted updates, giving businesses greater stability and more time to prepare.
PackUK and the PRO are also reviewing existing guidance on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and direct printing on polypropylene (PP) in response to producer feedback. The outcome of these reviews has not yet been confirmed.
How Can Producers Help Shape Future Changes?
The UK Packaging PRO is inviting producers and stakeholders from across the packaging value chain to submit evidence and proposals for changes to the RAM.
The PRO will review submissions to assess whether there is a case for change. It may contact respondents to ask follow-up questions, request further information or discuss an issue in more detail.
Where there is a strong case for further investigation, the PRO will bring together relevant experts from the packaging and recycling sectors to assess the evidence and help develop recommendations for PackUK.
Not every proposal will result in a change. Submissions will be assessed and prioritised according to the strength of the evidence and the potential benefits across the packaging system.
This is an opportunity for businesses to raise practical challenges with the current methodology and share technical evidence that could inform its future development.
How To Submit Evidence
To be considered for RAM 2028, submissions must be received by 31 December 2026.
Stakeholders should complete the UK Packaging PRO’s evidence submission form and email it, together with any supporting evidence, to ram-evidence@ukpackagingpro.org.uk.
The PRO asks that this email address is used only for completed forms and supporting evidence.
Further details are available on the UK Packaging PRO website, while the full announcement can be found on GOV.UK.
Stay Ahead of RAM Requirements with Clarity
As the RAM continues to evolve, understanding your packaging’s recyclability and its impact on EPR fees is increasingly important.
Clarity’s RAM Assess platform simplifies the assessment process, helping businesses generate component-level recyclability ratings, forecast modulated EPR fees and identify opportunities to improve packaging recyclability and reduce future costs.
