A Look Back at 2025: OPRL’s Achievements and Milestones
At OPRL, our commitment to supporting our members and driving progress in recyclability and sustainability remains at the heart of everything we do. As we step into an exciting new year, it’s the perfect time to reflect on all that we accomplished in 2025.
This year was defined by collaboration, innovation and continued growth across our services. We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together, and we’re delighted to share some of the standout highlights from the past year.
Empowering Consumers with Clearer Recycling Guidance
Over 6,500 recycling labels downloaded
This incredible milestone reflects the growing commitment of our members to supporting consumers with clear, accessible recycling information on packaging. Every download represents another step towards improving recycling behaviours nationwide.
136 new members joined
In 2025, our community continued to expand, now exceeding more than 980 members. Together, we are amplifying our collective impact across the packaging value chain.
Strengthening Communications and Industry Insight
5,000+ member support tickets answered
Our Member Support Team worked diligently to respond to member queries, providing timely and expert guidance on packaging recyclability. Their support ensures our members always have the clarity they need.
More than 25 newsletter and updates sent to members
Keeping our members informed is a core part of our mission. From industry updates and policy changes to service enhancements, our communications help ensure members stay ahead of key developments.
22 member webinars delivered
Throughout the year, we created more opportunities than ever for members to learn, ask questions and stay informed:
- 6 featured webinars – deep dives into legislation, OPRL updates, research findings, packaging specifications and more.
- 5 Monthly Round-Up webinars – our newest format, introduced in Summer 2025, offering our members a concise overview of the latest news and updates from each month.
- 11 Getting Started webinars – tailored support for new members or those needing a refresher.
Enhancing Our Tools and Resources
A major update to our Recyclability Assessment Tool (RAT)
Following its successful launch at the end of 2024, we carried out a significant update in spring 2025 to ensure full alignment with PackUK’s Recyclability Assessment Methodology.
The response has been overwhelmingly positive, and we are thrilled that OPRL members completed more than 5,200 assessments throughout 2025.
A fresh new look for our Member Hub
We unveiled an improved Member Hub to make navigation easier and provide access to even more valuable resources. This included the introduction of our new ‘Useful Guides’ section, offering simplified guides to help our members understand complex topics.
Introducing ‘Hot Topics and Insights’ conversations
To help members stay informed on emerging issues, in November we launched a dedicated space featuring recorded conversations from our Member Team. These discussions provide quick, accessible insights into trends and key developments.
Growing our Certified as Recyclable scheme
In 2025, we expanded our Certified as Recyclable (CAR) scheme to include recyclability testing for fibre-based Packaging. This expansion supports greater confidence and consistency in recyclability claims across the industry.
Investing in Skills, Knowledge, and In-House Expertise
Over 600 hours of training completed
Our team’s commitment to professional development ensures we continue delivering high-quality expertise to our members. Training ranged from technical upskilling to broader organisational development.
We’re also proud to celebrate one team member completing an 18-month Project Management apprenticeship—a fantastic achievement.
Bringing audit processes fully in-house
After more than 12 years partnering with Ricardo-AEA, we transitioned our audit processes to be fully managed internally at the end of 2025.
The compliance audits are an essential part of our quality assurance process, giving public confidence in the instruction the labels give. With a growing and highly capable team, this move strengthens our ability to manage these audits efficiently and underpins our labelling scheme as a quality, evidence-based recyclability marque for use by brands and retailers.
Engaging with the Industry
Exhibiting and attending key events
We exhibited and presented at Packaging Innovations and London Packaging Week, engaging directly with brands, suppliers, and stakeholders.
Our management team also attended over 40 industry events throughout the year—ensuring OPRL remains a trusted, proactive voice in industry conversations.
Listening to Consumers
In spring 2025, we undertook independent consumer research to better understand public attitudes toward recycling, the barriers people face, and how labelling can support positive behaviour change.
These insights help shape our strategy and ensure our services continue to drive real-world impact. Download our Consumer Insights Report to see the key findings.
Leadership Announcement
We ended the year with significant news:
Jude Allan, previously Interim Managing Director, was appointed to the position permanently after the mutual decision that Margaret Bates would not return following her secondment at Defra.
We thank Margaret for her invaluable leadership and welcome Jude as she continues guiding OPRL’s strategic direction.
Looking Ahead to 2026
As we reflect on a remarkable year, we extend our heartfelt thanks to all our members and partners. Your commitment, insights and collaboration are what make these achievements possible.
Together, we are driving meaningful progress toward a more sustainable future.
Here’s to continuing this momentum in 2026!
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Discover more about membership here.