Who must complete RAM assessments
Large producers that pay household packaging waste disposal fees must assess and report the recyclability of relevant household packaging. Use RAM version 1.1 for the 2026 reporting year. RAM 2027 applies to packaging supplied during the 2027 reporting year.
How RAM works
Classify the packaging as a whole item with integrated components or as separate components, then identify the material category. Assess it through the stages set out in the applicable RAM guidance.
The assessment produces a red, amber or green rating. Report the result with the other required packaging data. The rating informs fee modulation, so less recyclable packaging can incur a higher charge.
Evidence for the assessment
Keep the packaging specification, component relationship, material evidence, test results and decision path. Record the RAM version, assessment date, assessor and approval. Supplementary guidance covers labels, multi-component packs, take-back schemes, contaminants and cases where composition is unknown.
Green
The packaging meets the applicable criteria for the most recyclable outcome.
Amber
The packaging meets the conditions for an intermediate outcome under the guidance.
Red
The packaging fails a required stage or meets an automatic-red condition.
Medical red
Record the regulatory reason when medical packaging receives the specified red treatment.
How modulation affects fees
Fee modulation changes disposal fees according to RAM outcomes. Do not treat a draft percentage or illustrative rate as a final invoice. Use current PackUK information and your confirmed packaging mass when budgeting.
Decide what must be assessed together
The relationship between components affects the assessment. Record whether a label, closure or sleeve remains attached during sorting and recycling. Keep a diagram or photograph when the structure is hard to understand from a component list.
| Packaging detail | Why it matters | Useful evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Material layer | Layers may affect the decision path | Supplier composition or test result |
| Label and adhesive | Size, material and separation affect sorting | Artwork, coverage and specification |
| Closure | Attached and detachable parts may differ | Pack drawing and use instructions |
| Residue | Contents can affect recyclability conditions | Emptying test or product specification |
Review ratings after packaging changes
Do not carry a rating forward after a material, colour, coating, adhesive or component relationship changes. Connect the RAM record to a dated packaging version. Reassess affected products before the new pack enters the reporting dataset.
Use a second reviewer for amber and red outcomes, medical exceptions and assessments that rely on supplier claims. Record the decision and outstanding evidence.
Turn ratings into a budget view
Multiply forecast household packaging tonnes by the applicable rate for each material and rating. Keep rate assumptions separate from reported mass so finance can update the forecast without changing compliance records.
Prepare the dataset
- Break packaging into assessable items or components.
- Record material, weight and component relationships.
- Apply the correct RAM decision process.
- Attach evidence and reviewer approval.
- Report ratings with packaging data and preserve the version.
Remedy EPR links each RAM result to the packaging specification and report output, which makes later review faster.
Prepare accurate EPR reports without rebuilding spreadsheets
Remedy EPR automates data imports and calculations, detects compliance errors and keeps evidence ready for review.
Primary sources: RAM version 1.1 guidance and supplementary guidance.