Key Takeaways

The Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM) evaluates how recyclable your packaging is in practice, not just in theory.
RAM results will increasingly influence EPR fee modulation — more recyclable packaging will attract lower fees.
RAM considers the full recycling journey: collection, sorting, reprocessing, and end markets for recyclate.
Packaging that scores well on RAM typically uses mono-materials, clear or natural colours, and compatible components.
Improving your RAM score reduces both EPR fees and environmental impact — these goals are aligned.

What Is the Packaging RAM Tool?

The Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM) is a tool developed by WRAP (the Waste and Resources Action Programme) to evaluate how recyclable packaging is within the UK’s collection and recycling infrastructure.

Unlike simple material classification, RAM considers the practical reality of recycling:

Is the packaging collected through kerbside or other schemes?
Can it be sorted by materials recovery facilities (MRFs)?
Can it be reprocessed into new materials?
Is there a market for the recycled output?

This comprehensive approach means RAM results reflect real-world recyclability, not theoretical recyclability.

How RAM Affects EPR Fees

EPR fee modulation is based on how recyclable packaging is. RAM provides the framework for determining recyclability:

RAM Category	Fee Impact
Recyclable (collected, sorted, reprocessed)	Lowest fees
Potentially recyclable (some infrastructure gaps)	Moderate fees
Not yet recyclable (no collection or reprocessing route)	Highest fees
Contaminant (disrupts recycling)	Highest fees + potential surcharge

As modulation becomes more granular, RAM results will play a larger role in determining specific fee rates for individual packaging formats.

For current fee rates, see the EPR fees by material type guide.

How to Use the RAM Tool

Step 1: Identify Your Packaging

List each packaging component you need to assess. You will need:

Material type (e.g., PET, HDPE, corrugated card)
Format (e.g., bottle, tray, bag, box)
Colour (e.g., clear, natural, coloured, black)
Any additional materials (labels, closures, coatings)
Size and weight

Step 2: Access the Tool

The RAM tool is available through WRAP’s online platform. You may need to create an account.

Step 3: Enter Your Packaging Details

For each component, input:

The base material and polymer type
The packaging format
The colour
Label type and material
Closure type and material
Any coatings or barriers
Any additional components (sleeves, bands, attachments)

Step 4: Review Results

The tool generates a recyclability classification for each component, along with recommendations for improvement.

Step 5: Document Results

Record RAM results alongside your packaging specifications. These will support your EPR data submissions and fee calculations.

Understanding RAM Results

Recyclable

Your packaging is collected through existing systems, can be sorted and reprocessed, and has viable end markets. This is the best outcome and attracts the lowest EPR fees.

Typical characteristics: Mono-material, clear/natural colour, widely collected format, compatible components.

Check Locally

Your packaging may be recyclable in some areas but not others. Collection varies across UK councils.

Typical characteristics: Materials that some but not all councils collect (e.g., plastic film, PS pots).

Not Yet Recyclable

Your packaging does not have a viable recycling pathway in the UK.

Typical characteristics: Multi-layer laminates, black plastic, certain composites, niche materials.

Contaminant

Your packaging actively disrupts recycling processes when it enters the wrong stream.

Typical characteristics: PVC in PET streams, PLA in PET streams, non-detectable materials.

Improving Your RAM Score

Material Choices

Use widely recyclable materials: clear PET, natural HDPE, PP, corrugated card, glass, steel, aluminium
Avoid problematic materials: PVC, black plastic (carbon black), multi-layer laminates
Choose mono-material designs wherever possible

Colour

Clear or natural is always best for plastics
Light colours are acceptable
Dark colours reduce sorting accuracy
Black (carbon black pigment) makes plastic undetectable — use detectable black alternatives

Labels

Same material as container (PP label on PP tub) is ideal
Paper labels with wash-off adhesive on glass and PET bottles
Avoid full-body sleeves that prevent material identification

Closures

Same polymer family as the container where possible
Easy to remove if a different material
Tethered caps as required by regulations

Coatings

Avoid metallisation on paper/card
Minimise barrier coatings — use only where product protection requires it
Water-based coatings are preferred over PE or wax coatings on paper

For detailed design guidance, see packaging design for recyclability.

RAM and Mandatory Labelling

From 2027, packaging will need to carry recyclability labels. RAM results will inform which label your packaging must carry:

“Recycle” — for packaging assessed as recyclable
“Do Not Recycle” — for packaging assessed as not recyclable
“Check Locally” — for packaging with variable collection

Using RAM to assess your packaging now helps you prepare for labelling requirements.

Getting Started

List your packaging components for assessment
Access the RAM tool through WRAP
Assess each component and record results
Identify improvements to achieve better recyclability
Track the fee impact of improved recyclability scores

Use the EPR fee calculator and visit our pricing page for compliance support.

How to Use the Packaging RAM Tool for EPR

Table of Contents