RAM 1.1 Update Released – What’s Different?

In the past few weeks RECOUP shared a preview of the RAM v1.1. This week it has been officially released by PackUK and there are some key changes that will impact RECOUP members specifically when it comes to plastic packaging.

The following criteria have been removed in v1.1.

· The requirement for carbon black pigments in inks and labels covering more than 50% total surface area has been removed for flexibles and rigids.

Labelling:

· Bottles with labels exceeding a total surface area of 40%.

· For pots, tubs and trays, a label covering more than 60% of the total surface.

· Attached labels are no longer required to be removable under an 80°C hot wash for all plastics.

· Paper labels are no longer considered Amber.

Additives and adhesives:

· Nanocomposite additives have been removed for PET bottles.

· For PET trays PE sealing layers are no longer RED.

· For HDPE the use of additives that increase the density of the plastic above 0.995 g/cm3 has been removed.

· Also removed are the use of heavy colours for PET bottles and PP packs.

· Clarifier additives in PP are no longer an Amber rating.

Producers are required to apply the RAM methodology to their packaging portfolio from 1 January 2025, with the first reporting deadline set for 1 October 2025.

With brands having portfolios covering thousands of packaging formats, it can be a daunting task trying to get to grips with the RAM itself, let alone grading all their packs.

RECOUP provides a RAM pack verification service. We can apply the RAM to your packaging portfolio for you. This service is subsidised through the support of members, which allows RECPOUP to provide unrivalled levels of support and guidance to improve the recyclability of packaging and help our members make informed, smarter, more sustainable choices.

RECOUP wants to remind members that the RAM is used to set the rates for modulated pEPR fees that producers will have to pay, it does not mean that recyclability guidelines have miraculously changed, and member should still refer to our Recyclability by Design guidance or seek our support to ensure packaging is designed to be as recyclable as possible.

If you need help getting to grips with the RAM updates, or want support with completing packaging assessments, reach out to us at lab@recoup.org. We can help you to make more sustainable packaging choices.