RECOUP has launched the latest edition of Recyclability by Design 2026, the industry’s practical guide to designing plastic packaging that can be effectively recycled.

Updated to reflect the latest recycling infrastructure, industry developments and policy changes, the guide provides clear recommendations to help businesses improve packaging recyclability and support a more circular economy.

Whether you’re a packaging designer, brand owner, retailer or manufacturer, this essential resource can help you make better design decisions today.

RECOUP has continued to engage with PackUK on behalf of members following the publication of RAM 2027. Questions have focused primarily on flexible plastics, direct printing on PP and HDPE packaging, and the classification of plastic plant pots, as well as wider concerns around recyclability assessments and future innovation.

This document summarises key queries, responses received, and ongoing discussions to help provide greater clarity on the RAM.

RECOUP provide product recyclability assessments, with detailed trial reports. This can include testing for size, colour, mixed materials, and additional components. The document outlines the range of test procedures, together with details of RECOUP in-house laboratory, and outlines the unrivalled support and guidance available for RECOUP members.

The document also summarises how Recyclability guidelines, including RECOUP Recyclability By Design, are used to make choices that affect recyclability of plastic packaging, together with how this fits with the PACKUK RAM (Recyclability Assessment Methodology).

Recyclability guidelines, such as RECOUP Recyclability by Design, have been instrumental in driving improvements in packaging quality. This includes recommendations on the use of sleeves and labels on PET bottles. However, as one of RECOUP aims is to promote discussion and cooperation between stakeholders in the industry, it is encouraging to report that improvements have been made by both packaging manufacturers and the recycling industry to overcome some of the challenges to enable labels and sleeves to be used while not adversely affecting the recycling of clear PET bottles.

Recyclability By Design is RECOUP’s Recyclability guidelines publication.

As we approach the end of 2024, the RECOUP Packaging Team has reflected on a dynamic year filled with both accomplishments and challenges. As we reflect on the last 12months, the RECOUP Packaging Team is committed to building on these experiences, addressing challenges head-on, and supporting our members. We look forward to an even more impactful 2025!  Here’s a roundup of some key highlights and initiatives that defined our efforts.

How designers and manufacturers can maximise the recyclability of plastic packaging products. Provides detailed guidance for a variety of polymers, with tables summarising best practice for the main component of the packaging, as well as other components such as lids and labels.

A plastic plant pot is a container used for growing and is a form packaging, a plastic pot, tub, or tray is also a container, yet a plastic plant pot is only collected by less than 10% of local authorities in kerbside recycling in comparison to plastic pots, tubs and trays which are collected by 88% of local authorities at kerbside. What are the barriers preventing this valuable material from being collected and what is needed to overcome these?

Design tips for making rigid plastic packaging more recyclable.

Aimed at people new to the packaging industry this booklet covers many design principles to improve the recyclability of plastics packaging from the design stage.  It covers the important components of packaging including additives and barriers, adhesives, labels, and colourants, to help packaging designers make informed decisions.