Nearly two-thirds of UK flexible plastic receives red recyclability rating

Analysis of new Environment Agency packaging data has found that almost two-thirds of flexible plastic assessed under the Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM) received a red rating.

According to analysis by circular economy specialist Reconomy, 61.8% of the flexible plastic assessed was rated red, representing almost 245,000 tonnes of packaging.

RAM forms part of the UK's extended producer responsibility for packaging (pEPR) system, which requires large producers to contribute towards the costs associated with collecting and recycling packaging waste.

While fees continue to be determined by the material and weight of packaging placed on the market, recyclability will also affect the rate paid per tonne from the 2026/27 assessment year.

Under the system, packaging receiving a red rating will attract a rate 20% higher than amber-rated packaging, while packaging achieving a green rating will receive a discounted rate. As a result, producers placing larger quantities of red-rated packaging on the market could see an increase in their overall pEPR costs.

The Environment Agency figures also indicate a reduction in the total amount of packaging reported by large UK producers during 2025.

Across all materials, reported packaging tonnage fell by 1.2%, from 11.11 million tonnes in 2024 to 10.97 million tonnes in 2025 – a decrease of approximately 135,000 tonnes.

Plastic recorded the largest reduction by weight, falling by around 52,300 tonnes, followed by glass at approximately 51,600 tonnes. Steel packaging decreased by 25,500 tonnes, while fibre composite packaging fell by 12,200 tonnes.

In contrast, reported aluminium packaging increased by approximately 8,700 tonnes, while volumes of paper and card remained broadly unchanged.

Reconomy suggested that the overall reduction in reported packaging tonnage could provide an early indication that some producers began making changes to their packaging ahead of the introduction of pEPR.

pEPR represents a major shift in how the costs of packaging waste are handled. With nearly two-thirds of the flexible plastic assessed under RAM receiving a red rating, many producers could face higher per-tonne charges when modulated fees are applied. We recommend that businesses reassess their packaging to understand their potential fee exposure and identify opportunities to reduce weight and improve recyclability. Those that act early will be better placed to manage their fees and contribute to a more circular economy.

Richard Hardstaff, Sales Development Manager at Eurokey by Reconomy.

The first pEPR assessment year began on 1 April 2025, with the first invoices issued in October 2025.