UK flexible plastic packaging receives low recyclability ratings

Analysis of Environment Agency data by circular economy specialist Reconomy reveals that 61.8% of flexible plastic packaging assessed under the Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM) received a red rating in 2025. This low recyclability rating covers approximately 245,000 tonnes of packaging.

These findings carry financial implications for large producers under the UK’s extended producer responsibility (pEPR) system. While fees are currently based on material and weight, starting from the 2026/27 assessment year, rates will be adjusted based on recyclability. Red-rated packaging will incur a 20% higher cost per tonne compared to amber-rated packaging, whereas green-rated packaging will qualify for discounts.

Total packaging tonnage reported by large UK producers fell by 1.2% in 2025, dropping from 11.11 million tonnes in 2024 to 10.97 million tonnes. The most significant reductions occurred in plastic and glass. Conversely, aluminium was the only material to see a notable increase of approximately 8,700 tonnes.