Defra unveils pEPR recyclability assessment method

The UK’s Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) has unveiled a Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM) under its Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR) initiative, introducing a traffic light-style grading system to evaluate the recyclability of packaging materials. This system—red for hard-to-recycle, amber for moderately recyclable, and green for widely recyclable—will influence disposal fees through fee modulation, effectively incentivizing eco-friendly packaging design. My unique insight: this methodology signals a pivotal shift from reactive waste management to proactive design accountability. For industry leaders, this isn’t just about compliance; it’s a wake-up call to embed recyclability into product innovation pipelines. By prioritizing mono-material designs and aligning with established recycling infrastructures, companies can mitigate costs while gaining a competitive edge in sustainability-driven markets. This evolution underscores the growing regulatory trend of linking environmental impact directly to financial responsibility, urging businesses to rethink packaging strategies not as a cost center but as a brand differentiator in the circular economy.https://www.mrw.co.uk/news/defra-unveils-pepr-recyclability-assessment-method-23-12-2024/

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