PackUK has issued an updated set of indicative Extended Producer Responsibility for packaging (pEPR) fees for 2026, marking the first time the figures include the Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM).
The charges apply to producers according to the weight of packaging they place on the UK market.
Under the legislation, large businesses that manufacture, supply or import packaging are required to cover the costs associated with managing the resulting waste.
Commenting on the release, a PackUK spokesperson said the added clarity would support better decision-making: “By providing this level of transparency, producers can make informed choices about packaging design that may reduce costs over time while delivering improved environmental performance.”
RAM-integrated pEPR Fees
The introduction of RAM represents a significant change, as packaging is now assessed and graded based on how it can be managed at end of life, in line with the waste hierarchy.
These revised figures will apply in the second year of the pEPR scheme. Fees for the current year do not reflect RAM assessments.
|
Material |
June 2025 Base Fee | Green fee (in £ per tonne) | Amber fee (in £ per tonne) | Red fee (in £ per tonne) |
| Aluminium | 266 | 245 | 270 | 325 |
| Fibre-based composite | 461 | 475 | 525 | 630 |
| Glass | 192 | 185 | 205 | 245 |
| Paper and card | 196 | 190 | 210 | 250 |
| Plastic | 423 | 415 | 455 | 545 |
| Steel | 259 | 260 | 290 | 345 |
| Wood | 280 | 410 | 450 | 540 |
| Other | 259 | 205 | 225 | 270 |
Credit: PackUK
PackUK noted that the fees highlighted in bold correspond to charges expected to apply to more than half of each material category, based on RAM tonnage submissions.
The organisation also confirmed that the definitive 2026 fee schedule will be released next year.
An earlier set of indicative fees for 2026 was published in November 2025, but did not factor in the RAM approach. Producers were charged under pEPR for the first time earlier this month using the 2025 fee structure.
Oversight of the RAM is provided by the Recyclability Assessment Methodology Technical Advisory Committee (RAM TAC), which advises on sustainability considerations and ensures guidance reflects recyclability alongside other assessment factors.
