Following Defra’s recent decision not to set mandatory labelling requirements, enabling continued use of voluntary labelling schemes, OPRL's new assessment tool helps brands prepare for upcoming Extended Producer Responsibility regulations.
Not-for-profit OPRL has launched a new Recyclability Assessment Tool to help brands make informed choices around packaging design ahead of the upcoming Extended Producer Responsibility for packaging (pEPR) regulations.
OPRL's new tool analyses a greater range of data, including the size and weight of components, as well as areas like packaging type, materials, and laminations or coatings. The resulting recyclability assessments can be saved in the tool or downloaded for future reference.
In a Defra stakeholder forum yesterday (12 November), officials confirmed that while mandatory recycling labelling requirements have been temporarily removed from legislation due to EU alignment challenges, companies can continue to use OPRL's labelling scheme.
Alice Harlock, Director of Technical and Member Services at OPRL, explained the utility of the new tool: "This capacity to assess recyclability and provide advice for improvement not only enhances the environmental impact of packaging, but also benefits our members' bottom line. At this stage, the tool applies OPRL metrics and industry expertise to assess recyclability. However, once the official list of recyclable and non-recyclable materials is released, we will align our tools with Defra's Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM)."
To be eligible for OPRL's 'Recycle' label, packaging must be collected by more than 75 per cent of local authorities, sorted and reprocessed to end markets. The guidance is subject to scrutiny from a Technical Advisory Committee, with representatives from brands, retailers, trade associations, reprocessors, local authorities and experts from across the value chain.
Defra confirmed that the RAM will be published on gov.uk by the end of December, with the first deadline for reporting data against it set for October 2025 for large producers and April 2026 for small producers. A Technical Advisory Committee will be established by January 2025 to support the technical iteration of the RAM.
Harlock also commented on the importance of meeting the new packaging regulations: "With the arrival of modulated fees in 2026, non-recyclable packaging will be charged at a higher rate, so any work to improve recyclability now will be well-rewarded.
"We are already seeing interest from businesses looking to apply the new OPRL tool to analyse designs. And as pEPR comes into force, we will continue to adapt to support our members to meet these new challenges."
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How will the government and DMOs address the challenges of including glass in DRS while ensuring a level playing field across the UK?
There's no easy solution to include glass in the DRS while maintaining a level playing field. Potential approaches include a phased introduction of glass, potentially with higher deposits to reflect its logistical challenges. The government and DMOs could incentivise innovation in glass packaging design and subsidise dedicated return points for glass-handling. Exemptions for smaller businesses unable to handle glass might also be necessary. Any successful solution will likely blend several approaches. It must address the differing priorities of devolved administrations, balance environmental benefits with logistical and cost implications, and be supported by robust consumer education campaigns emphasizing the importance of glass recycling.