Almost two-thirds of flexible plastic packaging received lowest recyclability rating in 2025, potentially exposing producers to higher pEPR fees

Packaging Solutions

Analysis by Reconomy, the international circular economy specialist, of new Environment Agency packaging data shows that 61.8% of the flexible plastic assessed under the Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM) received a red rating, representing almost 245,000 tonnes of packaging.

RAM forms part of extended producer responsibility for packaging (pEPR), under which large producers contribute towards the cost of collecting and recycling packaging waste. Fees will continue to reflect the material and weight of packaging supplied, but from the 2026/27 assessment year RAM will also adjust the rate per tonne according to recyclability. Red rated packaging will cost 20% more per tonne than amber rated packaging, while green rated packaging will receive a discount. Large producers responsible for a high proportion of red rated packaging could therefore face higher overall bills.

The data also shows that total packaging tonnage across all materials reported by large UK producers fell by 1.2% in 2025, declining by approximately 135,000 tonnes to 10.97 million tonnes, from 11.11 million tonnes in 2024. The largest reductions by weight were recorded in plastic, which fell by approximately 52,300 tonnes, and glass, which declined by around 51,600 tonnes. Steel packaging fell by 25,500 tonnes and fibre composite by 12,200 tonnes. Aluminium increased by approximately 8700 tonnes, while paper and card remained broadly unchanged.

The fall in reported tonnage may provide an early indication that some producers began changing their packaging ahead of the first pEPR assessment year, which began on 1 April 2025, and the issuing of the first invoices in October 2025. 

Richard Hardstaff, sales development manager at Eurokey by Reconomy, said: ‘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.’