EPR Guide - Flipbook - Page 23
How RAM works: The Recyclability Assessment Methodology is the of昀椀cial framework that determines a
package’s RAG rating. It’s administered by PackUK and based on 昀椀ve key criteria covering the full recycling
pathway:
1. Material Classi昀椀cation – What is the material and is it inherently recyclable? (e.g. PET plastic vs.
complex multi-material composite)
2. Collection Coverage – Is there widespread collection for this material via household recycling?
(Materials collected by >75% of local authorities score higher)
3. Sortation Feasibility – Can sorting facilities (MRFs) effectively sort this packaging into a recyclable
stream? E.g. is it a shape/size the machines can recognize, or does it tend to get 昀椀ltered out?
4. Reprocessing Capability – Do UK recycling facilities exist that can reprocess this material at scale
with current technology (not just in theory)?
5. End-Market Application – Is there demand for the recycled material? (Recycling isn’t complete if no
one wants the output).
Each packaging component (main body, lid, label, etc.) is assessed.
**Crucially, if components are permanently bonded or inseparable, they might render the whole item nonrecyclable. For example, a plastic and metal fused multi-layer item would likely get a Red rating even if
each material alone is recyclable. Similarly, if you fail to provide complete data for a packaging component,
RAM defaults it to Red (to discourage omissions). Companies must therefore gather precise data on every
piece of packaging to avoid unwarranted Red penalties.
Insight: Under RAM, a material’s real-world recyclability trumps theoretical
recyclability. A package could be technically recyclable, but if most councils
don’t collect it or no facility can process it, it will be rated Red. This ensures
fees re昀氀ect actual environmental impact and not just lab potential.
The government and PackUK are 昀椀ne-tuning RAM continuously. Updates to
criteria are expected annually, with consultation on tricky areas like printing
inks, coloured plastics, compostable/bioplastics, and food-contaminated 昀椀bre
packaging. For instance, guidance on rigid plastics and on packaging with
certain dyes or additives has been evolving so that by 2030 RAM will cover an
even broader set of considerations. Companies need to stay updated on RAM
criteria, what was Amber this year could become Red next year if evidence
shows poor recyclability.
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