More than 60% of packaging assessed under the first year of the EPR packaging system received a red rating under the government traffic light scheme that will decide the value of future payments, it has been revealed.
Analysis by circular economy specialist Reconomy of new Environment Agency packaging data shows that 61.8% of the flexible plastic in the first year, assessed under the Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM), received the worst rating, representing almost 245,000 tonnes of packaging.
From the 2026/27 assessment year, RAM will be used to decide the rate per tonne according to the recyclability of the material in question. Red-rated packaging is set to cost 20% more per tonne than amber-rated packaging, while green-rated packaging will receive a discount.
Reconomy said large producers responsible for a high proportion of red-rated packaging were now facing much 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 8,700 tonnes, while paper and card remained broadly unchanged.
Reconomy said the fall in reported tonnage may provide an early indication that some producers began changing their packaging ahead of the first EPR assessment year, which began on 1 April 2025, and the issuing of the first invoices in October 2025.
“EPR represents a major shift in how the costs of packaging waste are handled,” said Richard Hardstaff, sales development manager at Eurokey by Reconomy. “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.”
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