APR updates Design Guide for Plastics Recyclability

The Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR), Washington, has expanded its Design Guide for Plastics Recyclability to include several new polyethylene terephthalate (PET) screening tests and an updated inventory of PET test protocols.

Jaime Camara, APR board chairman and CEO and director of Mexico-based PetStar SAPI de CV, says, “These updates represent a valuable tool for package designers and brands and a significant body of work. We’re proud of the collaborative APR member process and our end results. Not only did we streamline the format of our testing protocols, but we made sure they address current package designs.”

As part of these changes, the PET Critical Guidance Protocol was revised from a single document to two separate protocols: one for clear PET resin and molded articles and the other for clear PET articles with labels and closures.

“These changes are consistent with our effort to ensure that the APR Design Guide has impact as a reference document that brand owners can use to meet the demands and recycling standards for the global marketplace,” says Steve Alexander, president and CEO of the APR. “With the surge of sustainability commitments by global brand owners, this update is particularly relevant.”

APR also announced that it has joined more than 250 organizations and brand owners to endorse The New Plastics Economy (NPE) Global Commitment, led by The Ellen MacArthur Foundation, in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme. One of the key goals of the global commitment to eradicate plastic waste and pollution at the source is to ensure 100 percent of plastic packaging can be easily and safely reused, recycled or composted by 2025.

“By endorsing the Global Protocol, brands have committed to achieving specific sustainability targets,” Alexander says. “APR testing protocols and the APR Design Guide for Plastics Recyclability are tools brand owners can utilize to help them in that effort. We are committed to continuing our work with the brand community to provide them with the strategic packaging design guidance and testing protocols to meet their global objectives.”

Updates to the critical guidance for polyethylene (PE) film are underway, including practices and screening tests, as is a complete review and update of the rigid olefins tests, protocols and related guidance. All are slated for completion later this year and will be available on APR’s website, the association says.