Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM) package of support
Source: gov.uk (2025-09-26)

PackUK has published a package of support materials to assist producers in completing their Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM) assessments.

PackUK has published a Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM) package of support, designed to further assist producers in completing their RAM assessments.

The package of support includes the following resources:

RAM one page material guidance notes

RAM Supplementary guidance

The package of support has been published as a direct response to valuable industry feedback, after producers highlighted the need for timely and practical support to enable accurate RAM reporting in 2025.

RAM one page material guidance notes

The one-page material guidance notes are a series of infographic-style cards that summarise each of the material categories and their red, amber and green ratings.

We understand that large guidance documents can be difficult to process, so this resource has been created to present key information from the RAM guidance (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/recycling-assessment-methodology-how-to-assess-your-packaging-waste) in an accessible way and help producers approach their RAM assessments with increased confidence.

The one-pagers are clearly marked by material type, so producers can easily scroll through to the graphics relevant to their packaging.

Access the infographic-style cards (https://defracollectionandpackagingreform.createsend.com/campaigns/reports/viewCampaign.aspx?d=t&c=49036ABB63A4555D&ID=EB00FC30C910E3FE2540EF23F30FEDED&temp=False&tx=0).

A colourblind-friendly version (https://defracollectionandpackagingreform.createsend.com/campaigns/reports/viewCampaign.aspx?d=t&c=49036ABB63A4555D&ID=4955B80E31E69DF22540EF23F30FEDED&temp=False&tx=0) of the graphics is also available, to ensure accessibility for all users.

RAM supplementary guidance

The supplementary guidance is designed to support producers in completing their RAM assessments by providing additional insights on particular elements of the RAM, along with technical specifications and practical examples.

It covers details on the materials categories in the RAM and the Stages of Recyclability, as well as information on testing, compliance and general principles and applicability.

The supplementary guidance is now available on GOV.UK (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/recyclability-assessment-methodology-supplementary-guidance)

Further RAM Updates

PackUK has recently made some changes to the RAM update cycle in order to assist producers in navigating the guidance:

Update cycle - the update cycle of the RAM has been moved from October to July of each year. This means that the next RAM update will be published in July 2026 and will apply to packaging supplied in 2027.

Naming convention - the naming convention of the RAM is changing to align with the year in which the methodology applies. Therefore, the next RAM will be called RAM 2027.

‘Stand still’ on changes for 2025 and 2026 - as a result of the new update cycle, there will be a stand still on changes for 2025 and 2026 reporting years. This will give industry a longer lead in time to understand and report against the v1.1 requirements. It will also allow for a comprehensive review of v1.1 and for incorporation of feedback from industry testing, as well as policy and regulatory updates.

Future RAM changes - PackUK will publish a Roadmap of future RAM changes in October to provide greater business certainty and reassurance.