APR updates position, recyclability category for degradable additives

The Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) has released updates to the recyclability category and formal position for degradable additives, nutrients and supplements. Based on the organization’s definition of “recyclable,” they are now included in the category of “renders the package nonrecyclable” in its APR Design Guide for Plastics Recyclability.

According to the APR Design Guide, a design feature renders a package nonrecyclable if the majority of material recovery facilities (MRFs) or reclaimers cannot remove such features to the degree required to generate a marketable end product.

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The organization says a package including degradable additives, nutrients or supplements cannot be detected using commercially available technologies and will affect both the quality and yield of postconsumer resin (PCR) when they perform as designed. An item, package or film containing any of these design features renders the entire item, package or film nonrecyclable.

“This change in categorization is based on research and reports published by independent research groups and better aligns APR with other NGOs [nongovernmental organizations] in the recycling and circularity space, as well as international manufacturers and retailers,” APR President and CEO Steve Alexander says. “This update clearly reflects APR’s mission to improve all aspects of the plastics recycling process and protects the quality and yield of the PCR stream.”

The “renders the package nonrecyclable” category includes degradable and biodegradable materials that are not certified compostable, APR says, including, but not limited to, bio-assimilating, oxo-degradable, oxo-biodegradable, enzymatic, anaerobic and photodegradable materials used in plastic packaging and film to accelerate degradation.

“The latest updates to the APR Design Guide are a positive move toward global harmonization of recyclability principles,” says Paolo Glerean, chairman of RecyClass. “Aligning recommendations on different packaging features, especially those with negative impact for recycling, is essential for boosting widespread circular innovation of plastic materials.”

Degradable additives may present technical challenges for the mechanical recycling process and future uses of products produced from that process. The APR says it is possible the integrity and/or useful life of plastic packaging or durable products made from recycled resins containing these additives could be compromised.

“We applaud APR’s decision to categorize degradable additives as ‘renders the package nonrecyclable,’” says Berry Global Vice President of Sustainability Rob Flores. “As noted by APR, there is a clear consensus from the broader environmental and packaging communities that degradable additives are expected to negatively affect plastic recycling. At Berry Global, we believe the most effective solution to address plastic waste is to create a circular economy for plastics by designing products for recycling and reuse, incorporating recycled content and investing in recycling and waste management infrastructure.”

APR says encouraging the recycling of containers that include degradable additives may be contrary to the goals of the recycling process for plastics, and cautions companies to carefully review the Federal Trade Commission Green Guides, as well as U.S. state laws and European directives when considering whether to label these traditionally recycled containers as both degradable and recyclable.

“As we continue to move toward a circular economy, it’s essential that we carefully consider the impact of all packaging materials on the recycling process,” U.S. Plastics Pact CEO Jonathan Quinn says. “APR’s updated position on degradable additives is aligned with the U.S. Plastics Pact’s Problematic and Unnecessary Materials List and offers important guidance to help ensure the quality of recycled plastics. We support efforts that bring clarity to the recyclability of materials, helping to inform decisions that benefit both the industry and the environment.”