Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM)

 

Making plastic recycling reporting simple, accurate, and aligned with UK targets

The free BPF Recycling Allocation Methodology (RAM) tool is exclusively available to BPF members, designed to help plastics manufacturers, processors, and suppliers measure and report their use of recycled content in a consistent and credible way.

With increasing pressure to hit sustainability goals and comply with UK plastics policy, RAM ensures your recycled content data is transparent, standardised, and defensible.

• What is the RAM?
• What RAM Does
• Why Use RAM?
• Benefits of the BPF RAM Tool
• Get Started

 

 

What is the RAM?

From 2025, large producers obligated under Packaging EPR will be required to assess the recyclability of all household and commonly street-binned packaging they handle, using a Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM).

The results must be submitted to the government and will inform Waste Management Fees. From 2026, packaging that is harder to recycle will incur higher fees.

This recyclability assessment and the resulting fee modulation aim to drive more sustainable packaging choices by highlighting the environmental impact of packaging formats and materials.

What RAM Does

• Calculates recycled content in plastic products using a mass balance approach
• Provides a clear allocation of recycled material across multiple products or production lines
• Generates auditable records to support reporting and customer assurance
• Aligns with UK legislation and industry best practice

Why Use RAM?

• Streamline sustainability reporting
• Respond to customer demands for recycled content verification
• Stay ahead of regulations like the Plastic Packaging Tax and EPR
• Back up claims with clear, standardised data
• Strengthen your sustainability credentials

View official RAM guidelines from the government HERE.

Benefits of the BPF RAM Tool

• The tool helps assess the recyclability of plastic packaging under the UK’s Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR) scheme.
• Simplifies the government’s official Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM).
• Each packaging type is rated as Red, Amber, or Green based on its recyclability:

1. Red: hard to recycle = highest pEPR fees
2. Amber: moderately recyclable = medium fees
3. Green: easy to recycle = lowest fees

• These ratings will be used to calculate eco-modulated fees from 2026, encouraging more sustainable packaging design.
• The tool ensures consistent, government-aligned assessments for plastic packaging producers.

 

Trusted by the Industry

Developed by the British Plastics Federation in collaboration with leading experts, RAM reflects the needs of real businesses navigating today’s recycling and reporting challenges. It’s already supporting BPF members in making smarter, more confident sustainability decisions.

Get Started With the BPF RAM Tool

Ready to make your recycled content reporting easier and more reliable?

Log in to use the RAM tool

Available to BPF members only

PLEASE NOTE:  The tool is password protected and only available to members.  If you are a member and cannot access the tool you can get instant access by completing the form found HERE)

 

Not yet a member? Join the BPF to access the BPF RAM tool and a full suite of sustainability tools, insights, and support.