APR and Berlin Packaging partner on recyclability testing

Chicago-based Berlin Packaging has partnered with the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) on a sample bottle program to help it in the design and testing of a recyclable polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottle. Berlin Packaging is a member of the APR.

Under the partnership, Berlin, a hybrid packaging maker, now offers small quantities of specific PET bottles required to conduct PET recyclability test protocols at third-party testing labs to receive APR Design for Recyclability recognition.

The APR Design Guide for Plastics Recyclability has been designed to help companies design recyclable packaging that can be converted into postconsumer recycled (PCR) plastic resin, according to the packaging firm.

Third-party validation that a package or packaging component’s design is compatible with the North American recycling system is required to attain APR Design for Recyclability recognition. “This is done by confirming that the item has met the highest criteria for recyclability according to the APR Design Guide,” Berlin Packaging says.

From its inventory, Berlin supplies 16-ounce “natural” Boston-style round bottles made of B90A PET resin, which the company calls an APR Preferred PET base resin.

“Clear PET bottles made from a known virgin resin are required to conduct APR test protocols,” says John Standish, technical consultant with Washington-based APR.

“Sourcing the test bottles, perhaps 20 to 100 units per test variable, can be a challenge for some companies, who may be experts in labels or adhesives, but not in PET bottles,” Standish says of the testing process.

“Finding the right bottles can be costly, with long lead times. Our partnership with Berlin helps to overcome this challenge and facilitates the process of securing PET test bottles for companies seeking APR Design Recognition.”

“We are committed to leading the future of sustainable packaging," Berlin Vice President of Sustainability Balaji Javaseelan says. "Our mission is to promote a sustainability culture along our entire value chain, from suppliers and customers to local communities where we operate and allied organizations. Berlin's partnership with APR builds upon our mission and expands our collaborations with like-minded organizations championing sustainability.”