ISRI accepting nominations for 2024 Design for Recycling Award

The Washington-based Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) is accepting applications for the 2024 Design for Recycling (DFR) Award.

The DFR Award, which has been awarded by ISRI at most of its annual conventions since 2005, is the group's highest recognition given annually to the "most outstanding product designed with recycling in mind.”

“ISRI’s Design for Recycling award recognizes innovation in product design and manufacturing, which is more critical than ever to creating a sustainable planet,” ISRI President Robin Wiener says. “As manufacturers work to ensure sustainability goals are met, incorporating recycling into a product’s design from the conception phase is critical.”

Past winners have included Sonoco Alloyd, Cascade Engineering, EcoStrate SFS Inc., LG Electronics, Samsung, Lexmark, Dell, Herman Miller, Steelcase and Nestlé Waters North America.

“We applaud those manufacturers who factor in recyclability when designing their products, recognizing that a product’s usefulness does not end when the original intent of the product has run its course,” Wiener says.

ISRI says potential DFR award applicants should consider several criteria, including: containing the maximum amount of materials that are recyclable; being easily recycled through current or newly designed recycling processes and procedures; being cost effective to recycle; and being free of hazardous materials that impede the recycling process.

Companies can nominate their products using an online form or electronic application on or before Feb. 12, 2024, with registration information available here.

Applicants will be notified of their status by mid-March, and the winner will be recognized at the ISRI2024 Convention and Exposition from April 15-18 in Las Vegas.