Packaging & Recycling in 2026: What’s Changing and How OPRL Membership Can Help
Packaging and recycling changes in 2026 will bring new challenges and opportunities for organisations across the UK and beyond. From Simpler Recycling and evolving labelling requirements to eco-modulated fees and updates to recyclability assessments, staying informed and prepared is essential. In this blog, we explore what’s changing in 2026 and how OPRL membership can help organisations stay compliant, confident and one step ahead.
Looking ahead to 2026: what’s coming for packaging and recycling
As we move into 2026, the pace of change across packaging and recycling continues to accelerate. With new policies coming into force, further regulatory changes on the horizon and growing pressure to improve recyclability, staying informed and prepared has never been more important.
Understanding packaging and recycling changes in 2026 and knowing how to respond will be critical. At OPRL, we support our members with trusted insight, practical tools and expert guidance to help them navigate change with confidence.
Simpler Recycling: engaging consumers to drive change
One of the most significant packaging and recycling changes in 2026 is the introduction of Simpler Recycling for households on 1 April 2026. The aim is to increase recycling rates and reduce pEPR fees by creating greater consistency across collections.
While consistent collections are a key part of this reform, success ultimately depends on one thing: consumer understanding and behaviour.
Clear, trusted labelling plays a vital role in helping people recycle correctly. OPRL’s recycling labels are understood by 96% of consumers, providing simple, consistent guidance at the point of disposal.
OPRL members benefit from:
- Access to widely recognised recycling labels
- Consumer insight to support effective communication
- Guidance on how to engage and empower consumers to do the right thing
You can explore our Consumer Insights Report here, offering valuable insight into current recycling attitudes and behaviours.
Labelling: preparing for what’s next
While mandatory labelling in the UK is currently on hold, the direction of travel remains clear. The EU’s proposals under the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) are still expected in 2026, and many organisations are already preparing for what this could mean for their packaging.
As part of wider packaging and recycling changes in 2026, organisations should be thinking ahead. OPRL membership helps businesses stay informed with:
- Understanding proposed requirements
- Anticipating future changes
- Making confident, compliant labelling decisions
Preparing early can help minimise disruption and ensure compliance as regulations evolve.
Eco-modulated fees: focusing on recyclability
With the first eco-modulated fees due this year, recyclability has never been more important. Organisations are increasingly looking at how they can move packaging from non-recyclable to recyclable materials to reduce costs and improve environmental outcomes.
OPRL supports members through this process with its Recyclability Assessment Tool (RAT), designed to help users complete RAM assessments accurately and consistently. In 2025 alone, more than 5,200 assessments were completed by OPRL members using the RAT.
Through OPRL membership, organisations gain:
- Access to the RAT
- Practical support with RAM assessments
- Confidence when reviewing and improving packaging recyclability
Further RAM updates in 2026
The Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM) will be updated in the middle of the year ready for the reporting of 2026 packaging data in 2027. Keeping up with changes to the methodology is essential to ensure assessments remain accurate and compliant.
OPRL members don’t need to navigate these updates alone. Our RAT will be updated in line with the new RAM, helping members complete assessments with confidence and clarity as requirements evolve.
Why OPRL membership matters in 2026
With ongoing change across packaging, recycling and regulation, OPRL membership provides reassurance, insight and practical tools to help organisations stay ahead.
OPRL members benefit from:
- Early access to regulatory and industry updates
- Expert guidance and insights
- Recognised recycling labels trusted by consumers
- Tools and resources to support compliance and recyclability
As we look ahead to 2026, being informed and prepared is key and OPRL membership is designed to help organisations do just that. Already a member? Login into the Member Hub to access your exclusive tools and resources.
Thinking about joining OPRL?
To help organisations start 2026 on the front foot, we’re offering 20% off your first year of OPRL membership for a limited time. Simply use code: [insert discount code here] when registering, hurry offer ends 31st January 2026.
If you want to know more about membership, you can contact our team here or if you’re ready to join then click on the below button to go to our online registration form.