APR publishes three updated PE film guidance resources

The Association of Plastic Recyclers, Washington, has published two testing protocols that will determine whether film packaging is compatible with the current recycling infrastructure and an additional document detailing polyethylene (PE) film standard practices.

The two protocols, the PE film critical guidance test protocol and the metal sortation potential test protocol, will measure the capability of innovative film packaging to be sorted and recycled into new thin film applications.

The PE film standard processing lab practices document will detail the steps recommended by the APR to prepare PE film and flexible products for use in protocols that evaluate the compatibility of the materials with commercial PE film recycling processes.

"PE film and flexible packaging is a fast-growing segment for consumer brands," says Sandi Childs, director of films and flexible packaging for the APR. "The ability to measure compatibility with recycling is vital to keeping a clean stream of materials flowing to recyclers from retail store drop-off bins."

To achieve APR critical guidance recognition, a part of the APR design recognition program featuring new technologies or package components that solve problems in sustainable package design, companies must first successfully complete the protocol with a third party testing laboratory, and then present the results to APR for formal review and approval according to the association. After receiving approval from APR, companies are eligible to market their innovation as formally recognized by APR and compatible with current recycling infrastructure.

“Cleaner supply results in more efficient processing, lower cost and higher quality PCR that ultimately delivers products consumers want to buy", APR President and CEO Steve Alexander says. “These updates are consistent with our efforts to ensure that the APR design guide remains the essential reference document and industry standard in recycling compatibility test protocols.”