APR completes initial rollout of PDR program

The Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) has announced the culmination of the initial rollout of its Preferred Design Recognition (PDR) program, which it says enables brands, manufacturers and converters to receive formal APR Design for Recyclability recognition for any complete polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or polypropylene (PP) package or packaging component that meets the organization’s definition of “preferred,” according to the APR Design Guide for Plastics Recyclability.

Following the addition of HDPE packaging constructs to the list of products eligible for PDR, additional categories will be added in parallel to future APR Design Guide updates.

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Several paths are available to achieve APR design recognition, including PDR, but all paths confirm that a package or packaging component meets the highest criteria for recyclability according to the APR Design Guide. The organization’s design recognition helps component and packaging manufacturers meet clients’ goals for recyclable packaging, providing third-party validation that a package or packaging component’s design is compatible with the North American recycling system.

“This marks the end of a 15-month effort, spanning all APR technical committees, to fully align the PDR pathway with the APR Design Guide,” says Ruben Nance, APR program director for PDR. “The APR Design for Recyclability recognition program now provides appropriate pathways for manufacturers and converters to reliably assess the recyclability of their PET, HDPE or PP packaging components, as well as creating a resource for brands to easily find recyclable packaging options.”

APR says brand and retailer procurement teams can save time, effort and resources to identify and validate recyclable packaging through the APR Library of Recognized Solutions. The recently upgraded library now includes search, sort and filter capabilities, according to the organization. New products now are included in real-time, with ongoing additional improvements in searchability and categorization.

“The successful rollout of this program comes at a pivotal time as companies prepare for extended producer responsibility policies in multiple states, compliance with California’s SB343 Truth in Labeling law, as well as other commitments, including the U.S. Plastics Pact,” APR President and CEO Steve Alexander says. “We look forward to seeing the continued growth and impact of the APR Design Recognition program and recognizing companies that demonstrate their commitment to developing sustainable packaging solutions.”