OPRL has welcomed the publication by Defra and the pEPR Scheme Administrator of the Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM) for Packaging EPR.
Jude Allan, interim MD at OPRL, described it as valuable clarification for businesses and labelling.
“The arrival of eco-modulation in 2026 will introduce a financial incentive to reduce packaging or to opt for easily recyclable materials,” Jude Allan said. “The RAM provides a standard guide on the recyclability of different packaging materials and formats. The methodology will produce a red, amber or green output, which relates to the ease of recycling at scale. This will help businesses to make effective choices around design, as well as supporting consistent messaging to householders across the UK.
“Clear messaging will be crucial for the success of pEPR – without consumer engagement, lower volumes of waste will be collected, leading to higher costs for producers. To date, OPRL’s labelling metrics have been the only independently assessed system available. Now that the RAM has been published, we will update our Recyclability Assessment Tool to ensure that we fully align with the RAM. Our members will then have access to a truly UK-wide system.”
OPRL said its research shows the majority of consumers turn to packaging for instructions on recycling, so consistent messaging is crucial when it comes to communicating recycling information. Although mandatory labelling is on hold, many brands are still choosing to label packaging products.
Allan added, “At such a time of change, brands are looking for help to navigate uncertain waters. Companies know that improving recyclability is a fundamental step towards reducing pEPR costs, but without insight into current and future choices, many are struggling.”
OPRL’s new Recyclability Assessment Tool is designed to help brands make informed choices around packaging design and reduce financial obligations under pEPR. It analyses a range of data, including the size and weight of components, as well as areas like packaging type, materials, and laminations or coatings.
Valpak by Reconomy has also welcomed Defra’s new Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM).
Steve Gough, CEO at Valpak – the UK’s largest compliance scheme – described the announcement as a key component in the move towards implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility for Packaging (pEPR), saying, “This announcement gives packaging producers the clarity needed to plan ahead. Armed with a comprehensive definition of green and red – recyclable and non-recyclable – materials, producers are now able to focus on collating the necessary data to meet their obligation.
“Those preparing for pEPR face two major challenges – sourcing and recording data, followed by analysis of packaging materials with a view to reducing non-recyclable packaging. For large businesses, collecting and submitting data is a vast task, so Valpak’s advice for those beginning the journey is to focus initial efforts on the areas offering the greatest reward.
“Eco-modulation charges begin in 2026, based on the packaging put onto the market in 2025. Non-recyclable material will be charged at a higher rate, and this higher fee also applies to packaging items for which no eco-modulation data has been recorded. Producers would therefore be wise to start the ball rolling by identifying items with high sales volumes that have not yet been categorised as recyclable. This will drive the greatest volume of helpful data into the system and provides a platform for making future packaging design as early as possible to reduce future costs.”
Jim Bligh, director of corporate affairs and packaging at The Food and Drink Federation, said the new EPR regulations could be a ‘game-changer’ for the UK and its ‘flatlining’ recycling rates.
“As an industry, food and drink manufacturers are embracing EPR and the opportunity to revolutionise the UK’s recycling system, while ensuring we have access to the recycled content we need to meet our own sustainability goals,” he said. “But, this comes with a huge cost for business, with UK food and drink manufacturers committing more than £1 billion a year to EPR from next October.
“Our members negotiate pricing with retailers up to a year in advance. Until now they’ve been doing this without clarity from government on the EPR fees they’ll pay next year, and, as a result, without clarity on the actual cost of their products. Defra’s confirmation of more specific fee estimates is therefore welcome, as it will give businesses the certainty they urgently need about the costs they’ll be facing from next year.
“Now that we have this clarity, it’s vital that Defra works with producers – who are now legally responsible for improving the UK’s recycling rates – to ensure that this multi-billion-pound investment produces real results for the nation.”
