Valpak by Reconomy welcomes Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM)

Valpak by Reconomy has welcomed Defra’s new Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM).

Steve Gough, CEO at Valpak – the UK’s largest compliance scheme – described the announcement as a key component in the move towards implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility for Packaging (pEPR), saying: “This announcement gives packaging producers the clarity needed to plan ahead. Armed with a comprehensive definition of green and red – recyclable and non-recyclable – materials, producers are now able to focus on collating the necessary data to meet their obligation.”

He added: “Those preparing for pEPR face two major challenges – sourcing and recording data, followed by analysis of packaging materials with a view to reducing non-recyclable packaging. For large businesses, collecting and submitting data is a vast task, so Valpak’s advice for those beginning the journey is to focus initial efforts on the areas offering the greatest reward. 

“Eco-modulation charges begin in 2026, based on the packaging put onto the market in 2025. Non-recyclable material will be charged at a higher rate and this higher fee also applies to packaging items for which no eco-modulation data has been recorded. Producers would therefore be wise to start the ball rolling by identifying items with high sales volumes that have not yet been categorised as recyclable. This will drive the greatest volume of helpful data into the system and provides a platform for making future packaging design as early as possible to reduce future costs.”

Ends

Editors notes

·      Valpak’s mission is to create a sustainable, waste-free world. We are driven, not by today. We are driven by tomorrow.

·      We help our clients to reduce waste and recycle more, continually innovating and using leading data science and expertise to inspire businesses, help push ourselves – and our industry – forward. We don’t just show our customers how to navigate waste regulations; we help them become more sustainable, through our ever-increasing capabilities and pioneering innovations. 

·      Valpak is the largest environmental compliance scheme in the UK. We work with major names, such as Aldi, Tesco, ASOS, and Miele, and manages compliance for more than 2,000 businesses. In 2022, it celebrated its 25th anniversary.

·      Valpak is part of Reconomy, an international circular economy specialist that combines technology, skills and incredible people to build sustainability ‘loops’ that create circular opportunities for business. This is achieved through a tech enabled, people-powered approach that helps Reconomy’s customers to better manage their resources, reduce waste, optimise their supply chains, and contribute in a meaningful way towards the circular economy.

·      Valpak services include:

o   Compliance under Waste Packaging, WEEE, and Battery Directives.

o   Data insights.

o   International compliance.

o   Consultancy.

o   Accreditation under environmental schemes, such as Zero Waste to Landfill. 

·      Valpak invests in pioneering systems and expertise which enable its customers to analyse, assess and improve product design. The Product Data Hub, Insight Platform and dedicated teams work together to drive change.