OPRL Rules and the RAM
In April 2025, Defra and PackUK released the latest version 1.1 of their Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM), which is used to determine the recyclability of the packaging based on the material and pack format.
The RAM grades materials and packaging formats into one of three categories: Red (least recyclable), Amber, or Green (most recyclable), for which corresponding modulated fees are payable from October 2026.
What’s the difference between the RAM and the OPRL Labelling Rules?
The OPRL Labelling Rules are based on our 16 years of experience and underpin how packaging can be labelled through the scheme. We work closely with materials associations and other industry stakeholders to determine recyclability criteria that ensure materials reprocessors receive quality materials, whilst taking packaging functionality into account.
The OPRL Technical Advisory Committee recently reviewed the RAM and its impact on OPRL labelling, comparing it to the OPRL Labelling Rules and taking into consideration existing industry guidance for the packaging materials.
In most instances, a Green or Amber RAM rating equates to an OPRL Recycle label, and a Red rating equates to a Do Not Recycle label. However, there are some areas where this is not the case.
Why don’t OPRL rules fully align with the RAM?
There are instances where OPRL won’t yet be adopting certain features of the RAM into our rules, partly because these elements do not align with existing industry guidance. We also feel they are likely to be reviewed again by the RAM technical advisory committee (as is mentioned in RAM v1:1) and so may change in the next update in July 2026. To maintain consistency, we have decided to keep the current labelling for these items and will review once RAM V2 has been published. We have highlighted these occurrences in the relevant materials section within our labelling rules.
What materials and pack formats are affected?
More details are available to OPRL members in our Labelling Rules; however, in short, these are the affected materials:
- PP and PE films
- PET trays with polyethylene sealing layers
- Rigid plastic packaging with sleeves or labels covering more than 60% of the surface area
- Metal packaging with more than 30% non-metal content
- Fibre-based packaging with product residue
Do OPRL members need to update their packaging artwork?
The updated labelling rules and labelling tool should be used for any new packaging artwork or for any packaging artwork updates. We’re not asking for any changes to be made to existing artwork.
What does that mean for pEPR assessments?
pEPR assessments should be performed as normal as per the RAM criteria. OPRL’s Recyclability Assessment Tool (RAT) can support in performing these recyclability assessments. Meanwhile, OPRL’s Labelling Tool will generate up-to-date recycling labels based on the updated OPRL Labelling Rules.
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