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A friendly guide to how RAM works, why it matters for packaging design, and what you need to do to stay compliant.
Jump inThe Recycling Assessment Methodology (RAM) is the UK’s framework for understanding how recyclable packaging is in real life, not just whether it could be recycled.
RAM breaks recyclability into simple, practical stages:
If packaging fails at any stage, it isn’t considered fully recyclable under RAM.
RAM is the engine behind EPR’s fee system, it determines how recyclable your packaging is, and therefore how much you pay.
RAM gives the government a consistent, evidence-based way to apply fee modulation and encourage better packaging design.
Break your packaging into components and materials, and identify what each part is made from.
Assess whether each component passes Collection, Sortation, Reprocessing and Application.
Each component will be Green, Amber or Red. This determines your EPR obligations and fees.
Reath helps you understand and improve your packaging’s recyclability without spreadsheets or guesswork.
Our packaging database helps you analyse each component and automatically apply RAM logic — no spreadsheets, no guesswork.
Explore Packaging Manager
Compare RAM outcomes across different packaging formats so you can innovate with confidence and choose options that perform better in real recycling systems.
Compare RAM Ratings
Export clean, consistent evidence you can use for compliance and internal decision-making.
View reporting tools