New program recognizes 'APR Preferred' packaging

Participation in the Meets Preferred Guidance (MPG) Review Program encourages companies that manufacture packaging materials and components and finished packages to get an independent assessment from APR to determine if their products meet the Preferred guidance criteria.  

“Poor package design leads to contamination in the recycling stream, which impacts not only the recyclers but also the companies that manufacture packaging,” says Sandeep Kulkarni, the APR technical consultant who manages APR recognition programs. “It reduces the quality of postconsumer recycled resin (PCR) that brands ultimately need to achieve their corporate sustainability goals.”

APR says its MPG Review Program is an engineering assessment of the technical compatibility of either a package design feature or a complete package with today’s plastics recycling processes. Packaging designed to have negligible or no impact on the quality of recycled plastics, as well as negligible or no impact on the productivity of the recycling process, enable a circular economy, the association notes.

The use of plastic packages that achieve the design principles outlined in the APR Design Guide for Plastics Recyclability help to ensure that good quality recycled plastic is available in the market for brands that have committed to using PCR.

“APR supports brands and manufacturers across the country and around the world in ensuring that products and packaging are made to be recycled,” Steve Alexander, APR president and CEO, says. “The APR Design Guide for Plastics Recyclability, coupled with APR training programs, testing protocols and product recognition opportunities such as the Meets Preferred Guidance Review Program, give companies confidence that the items they make can be effectively recycled.”

APR is hosting a free webinar Sept. 14 at 2 p.m. eastern to detail the MPG Review Program, as well as similar programs it offers.  Those interested can register here.