RAM Category
The RAM Category (Recyclability Assessment Methodology Category) in Planufac is used to classify the recyclability of product packaging components according to the UK's Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations. It applies a traffic light system (Red-Amber-Green) to indicate how recyclable a packaging material or component is within the current UK recycling infrastructure. This helps track compliance and supports reporting requirements.
Managing RAM Category Labels
Navigate to Settings > RAM Settings > RAM Category Labels
Link: https://my.planufac.com/productramcategories/list
This section lists the fixed RAM category labels. These are hardcoded in the system and cannot be added or removed without developer intervention.
| ID | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Green | Widely recyclable in the current UK infrastructure |
| 2 | Amber | Recyclable but may require specialist infrastructure or face challenges in collection/sortation/reprocessing |
| 3 | Red | Difficult to recycle at scale (e.g., due to material composition or design features) |
When performing bulk imports or updates of products via spreadsheet (CSV/XLSX) in Imports (https://my.planufac.com/import/list), use the corresponding ID (1, 2, or 3) as the value for the RAM category field.
Related Settings
Material Category Labels
Navigate to: https://my.planufac.com/productmaterialcategories/list
These labels identify the material type of packaging components. Like RAM categories, they are fixed—use the ID for bulk imports.
| ID | Name |
|---|---|
| 1 | Plastic |
| 2 | Hard Plastic |
| 3 | PET |
| 4 | HDPE |
| 5 | Polypropylene (PP) |
Product Packaging Labels
Navigate to: https://my.planufac.com/productpackagingnames/list
This lists the standard packaging components for products. Use the Excel label (column header name) in bulk import templates to specify weights or details for each component.
| ID | Name | Excel Label |
|---|---|---|
| 15 | Bottle (Empty) (grams) | bottle_emptygrams |
| 16 | Cap & Dropper (grams) | cap_dropper_grams |
| 17 | Bottle Label (grams) | bottle_label_grams |
| 18 | Plastic pouch (grams) | plastic_pouch_grams |
| 19 | Tray / Insert (grams) | tray_insert_grams |
| 20 | Sticker / seal (grams) | sticker_seal_grams |
| 21 | Leaflet (grams) | leaflet_grams |
| 22 | Inner box Empty (grams) | inner_box_empty_grams |
| 23 | Inner box wrap (grams) | inner_box_wrap_grams |
| 24 | Outer box (Empty) (grams) | outer_box_emptygrams |
| 25 | Outer box wrap (grams) | outer_box_wrap_grams |
| 26 | Master case Empty (grams) | master_case_empty_grams |
| 27 | Shrink wrap (grams) | shrink_wrap_grams |
Viewing RAM Category Data in Reports
Navigate to Reports > Compliance > RAM Category
Link: https://my.planufac.com/reports/ramcategory/list
This report displays all products with their associated details, including:
- Type
- SKU
- Product name
- Variant
- Attribute and attribute value
- Group
- Category
- Brand
- Compliance name
- Weight (grams)
- Material type
- RAM category
Use the export functionality to download the data for compliance tracking, analysis, or external reporting purposes.
If you need assistance with assigning RAM categories or preparing bulk imports, contact support for guidance on best practices aligned with UK EPR requirements.