UK RAM rules set to raise EPR fees for red-rated flexible plastics
New UK Environment Agency data shows 61.8% of flexible plastic packaging assessed under the Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM) received the lowest 2025 rating, according to analysis by circular economy specialist Reconomy. Under packaging EPR (pEPR) fee modulation, due to begin in the scheme's second year, red-rated packaging will cost 20% more per tonne than amber-rated packaging, with Defra's RAM 2027 guidance applying to packaging supplied from 1 January 2027. Large producers with a high share of red-rated flexible plastics could face materially higher PackUK invoices.
Why this mattersFee modulation shifts cost toward flexible-film packaging unless producers secure take-back scheme evidence, pushing redesign and reformulation across UK food packaging.
- 61.8% of flexible plastic packaging assessed under RAM received the lowest (red) rating in 2025, per Environment Agency data analysed by Reconomy.
- Red-rated packaging will cost 20% more per tonne than amber-rated packaging under pEPR fee modulation.
- RAM v1.1 applies to packaging supplied in 2026; RAM 2027 guidance applies to packaging supplied from 1 January to 31 December 2027.
- Total UK packaging tonnage reported by large producers fell 1.2% (about 135,000 tonnes) to 10.97 million tonnes in 2025, from 11.11 million tonnes in 2024.
- Plastic packaging tonnage fell by approximately 52,300 tonnes and glass by around 51,600 tonnes in 2025; aluminium rose by about 8,700 tonnes.
- The first pEPR assessment year began 1 April 2025, with the first invoices issued in October 2025.