James Marchant, Packaging Data & Workflow Leader at Beyondly, discusses the considerable data challenges ahead for producers following the draft release Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM). Highlighting the increase in data point requirements to ensure compliance with EPR.

As the landscape of packaging compliance and more broadly, environmental legislation continues to evolve, the extent of reporting requirements and demand for high-quality packaging data is ever increasing. This has become evident following the recent release of the draft Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM).

Impact of RAM and associated data challenges
RAM is a framework designed for use by Producers under the packaging Extended Producer Responsibility regulations, to assess the recyclability of the primary and shipment packaging they are placing on the market from 2025 onwards. This will subsequently determine the resultant modulation of disposal fees to be incurred by producers through a Red, Amber, Green (RAG) system; with green implying the packaging is both recyclable and that there is adequate collection and recycling infrastructure in the UK for said packaging, attracting a lower fee. With producers required to complete RAM assessments on their packaging in 2025, this methodology has demonstrated the vast and ever-increasing data requirements necessary for effective and accurate compliance. Examples of some of the data points that producers will need to ensure they are recording and capturing information on include, component density, dimensions, size relative to subsequent component (labels), presence of additives/chemicals, lamination, and more.

You can read more on the specifics of RAM in a recent news story published here.

A significant number of organisations are still grappling with the challenges of data stewardship and accessibility, and now face a real hurdle ahead of 2025. With these growing demands, businesses must take responsibility for enhancing their internal systems to capture this vital information effectively. With the clock ticking toward 1 October 2025 (EPR Jan-Jun reporting deadline), this leaves very little time for preparation, and the industry must swiftly address these data gaps to avoid inaccurate disposal fees and ensure a smooth transition into the new regulatory landscape.

Support for producers
The complex requirements around packaging EPR data, is overwhelming. Beyondly's technical expertise acts as an extension to any business, providing high quality reporting and innovative insights.
Beyondly’s data management offering is always evolving to meet the needs of every business, no matter the size. In 2025, get ready to benefit from significant enhancements, providing you with automated solutions for adapting to EPR’s upcoming extended data requirements.

Beyondly work to accelerate change across businesses, meeting the changing needs of environmental legislation. Beyondly are here to support packaging producers every step of the way during the pEPR reform, so if you have any general questions or would like to share your thoughts, please do get in touch.

Beyondly would like to invite you to the packaging event of the year!

Join Beyondly at Packaging Innovations & Empack 2024, NEC Birmingham on 12 & 13 February.

Beyondly will be in attendance at the NEC Birmingham in February for the Packaging Innovations & Empack 2025 event, where they will be connecting with packaging producers, sharing their expertise, and demonstrating how their innovative data solutions can help businesses tackle their regulatory challenges effectively. So, if you are attending, please don’t hesitate to pop them a visit!

Register at the event for free or speak to Beyondly here!