Under the revised approach, the UK Packaging PRO will take on a greater role in identifying and prioritising potential changes to the methodology, working with stakeholders across the packaging value chain to develop evidence-based recommendations.
PackUK will retain overall responsibility for overseeing and publishing the RAM, with further responsibilities expected to transfer to the PRO after RAM 2028.
The changes follow feedback from producers and other stakeholders, who called for greater predictability and more time to understand and prepare for updates to the methodology.
The RAM is used within the UK’s extended producer responsibility for packaging (pEPR) system to assess packaging recyclability, informing the fees paid by producers.
Jeremy Blake, Chief Executive Officer at PackUK, said: “This is a valuable opportunity for PackUK and the UK Packaging PRO to work together, combining our expertise and shared purpose to make meaningful improvements shaped by stakeholder feedback from across the packaging value chain.
“By introducing this dedicated route for producers to engage with and contribute to the RAM, we are giving industry a stronger voice in guiding future developments and ensuring a broad range of insight is reflected in how the methodology evolves over time.”
RAM 2028 priorities
As part of the new process, the UK Packaging PRO will coordinate, review and prioritise proposals submitted by stakeholders. Producers will be able to submit change requests through a structured process to ensure industry expertise is considered as the methodology develops.
For RAM 2028, PackUK and the PRO will focus on a smaller number of priority areas, including issues already highlighted by producers, such as guidance on take-back schemes.
Future updates are expected to concentrate on targeted areas, providing greater certainty for producers while allowing the methodology to evolve in response to emerging evidence and stakeholder feedback.
Karen Graley, Chief Operating Officer at UK Packaging PRO, added: “We know how important the RAM is to producers, and this process provides a real opportunity to bring industry expertise and practical experience into its future development.
“I’d encourage producers of all sizes to get involved. We want to hear what is working well, where improvements are needed and what the evidence tells us.”
Producers and other stakeholders wishing to submit proposals for consideration in RAM 2028 have until 31 December 2026 to provide supporting evidence to the UK Packaging PRO.
The PRO will assess submissions to determine whether there is a case for change and may contact stakeholders for further information, additional evidence or discussions to explore an issue in more detail.
Where submissions demonstrate a strong case for further investigation, the PRO will assess the evidence and help develop recommendations for PackUK.
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