PackUK outlined a three-phase roadmap. The foundation phase (2024-2026) established pEPR. The current phase (2026–2028) introduces eco-modulated fees-charging producers more for less recyclable packaging-and develops the Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM) to rate household packaging red, amber, or green. From 2028 to 2030, PackUK will update the RAM using real-world recycling data.
Focusing on the RAM and eco-modulation, PackUK is identifying key data gaps. Karen Graley, Chief Operating Officer at UK Packaging PRO, urged brand owners to ensure robust data, as it directly impacts their fees.
The cost of a red rating increases annually via a multiplier on the base disposal fee: 1.2x in 2026/27, 1.6x in 2027/28, and 2.0x in 2028/29. Certain formats face high exposure: 61.8% of flexible plastic packaging assessed under the RAM in 2025 received a red rating.
Takeaway: Most brands track market placement data well, but lack visibility downstream. Brands measuring real-world performance now will be better prepared as ratings evolve.
With the EU's Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) active since 12 August 2026, debate centred on whether the UK will align. Producers operating across both markets favoured consistency and welcomed PPWR's long-term certainty through 2040.
Alignment varies by topic. For deposit return, the UK's October 2027 scheme matches PPWR requirements for plastic bottles and cans. For recyclability, approaches diverge: the UK increases fees for low-rated packaging, whereas PPWR will eventually ban the lowest-graded packaging entirely.
Takeaway: PackUK derived a RAM 2027 threshold directly from PPWR, signaling closer UK-EU alignment. Brands in both markets should align their redesign planning across both frameworks.
WRAP's breakfast convened UK Packaging Pact signatories. Launched in April 2026 as the successor to the UK Plastics Pact, the Pact expands scope across all packaging materials.
Harmonising data is a core goal. A shared evidence base will guide design, recovery, and policy better than isolated trials. Deepnest joined as a founding signatory, reinforcing the demand for comparable, industry-wide data.
PackUK linked circularity goals to two levers: advanced sorting infrastructure and optimised product design. While brands control design directly, effective execution requires recycler data.
Amy Hooper, Head of Innovation and Sustainability at Biffa, highlighted collaborative solutions. Greyparrot partners with Biffa using Greyparrot Analyzer units in materials recovery facilities (MRFs) to monitor live sorting streams.
This yields actual sortability rates-measuring precise recovery versus loss to residue-beyond lab predictions. Drawing from over 300 Analyzers in 20+ countries, Deepnest measures performance by format, colour, and construction.
PackUK named reuse its next priority. Scaling refillable and returnable packaging requires establishing shared washing, storage, and logistics infrastructure.
London Packaging Week highlighted that performance measurement is as critical as design. Packaging teams should evaluate format sortability now to manage upcoming EPR costs and navigate methodology updates effectively.
Find out how your packaging performs in real recovery systems.