APR Expands APR Design Recognition Program for Plastics Recycling

        The Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) recently announced that six new packaging components qualify for its Preferred Design Recognition (PDR) program, formerly known as Meet the Preferred Guidelines (MPG). The organization said the APR Design Recognition program ensures products are compatible with North American recycling systems through third-party verification and receive preferred status based on the APR Plastics Design for Recyclability Guidelines.

        The new packaging components added to the APR Design Approval Program include:

         ◆Polypropylene (PP) base resin;

        ◆Direct printing for PP packaging;

        ◆Lids, accessories and liners for PP containers;

        ◆Complete and unprinted label structures for PP packaging;

        ◆PP containers, bottles and rigid packaging;

        ◆And PP packaging structures.

        APR said the program will be further expanded to include categories for polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and colored high-density polyethylene (HDPE) containers and packaging structures, as well as natural HDPE packaging and PE film. A full list of current and upcoming recognized categories can be found here.

        “Since its inception more than 20 years ago, the APR Preferred Design Recognition Program has reviewed and recognized packaging from more than 120 companies, driving mainstream adoption of impactful innovations in plastic packaging, increasing recyclability and reducing plastic waste,” said Reuben Nance, director of the APR Preferred Design Recognition Program. “The expansion of the APR Preferred Design Recognition Program will save brands and retailers the time, effort and resources needed to identify recyclable packaging solutions.”

        The APR Preferred Design Recognition Program has three paths, depending on the plastic category submitted: Preferred Design, Key Guidance and Responsible Innovation. All paths culminate in the same level of recognition, meaning that the product meets the highest recyclability standards based on APR design guidelines.

        For component and packaging manufacturers, APR said the APR Preferred Design Recognition Program rewards the investments needed to address recycling challenges and replace problematic items. For brands and retailers, the group added that the scheme provides confidence and reduces risk when making claims and complying with voluntary or legislative sustainable packaging requirements. The scheme also aims to help increase the supply of post-consumer recycled content (PCR).