PakTech receives APR Design for Recyclability Recognition

The Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR), Washington, has PakTech's 4-Pack and 6-Pack 202 Standard Can Carriers through its APR Design for Recyclability Recognition program. The carriers are made using recycled high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and were found to meet or exceed the program's recyclability requirements.

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PakTech, based in Eugene, Oregon, specializes in designing and manufacturing injection molded handles for multipacking products in the food, beverage and consumer goods industries.

The APR Design for Recyclability Recognition provides third-party validation that a packaging component, assembly of components or complete package meets the highest criteria for recyclability according to the APR Design Guide for Plastics Recyclability.

The APR Design for Recyclability Recognition validation process includes an engineering assessment of the technical compatibility of a product design with today’s plastics recycling processes to ensure product recyclability within the North American recycling system.

PakTech says the company and its customers prioritize recyclability as part of a larger commitment to sustainability. APR recognition expands the geographic area of recyclability validation for PakTech 4-Pack and 6-Pack 202 Standard Can Carriers, which already have been awarded recyclability certifications in Australia and the European Union.

Image courtesy of PakTech

“Our products are a second-life product, where we have gone through extensive measures to design and develop products made exclusively with postconsumer recycled HDPE plastic derived from consumer waste,” Gary Panknin, sustainability officer at PakTech, says. “This reduces the depletion of fossil fuels, keeps plastic from being waste, provides the lowest possible carbon footprint and contributes to a better environment for future generations.

“The APR recognition validates that not only are PakTech products part of the circular economy by keeping valuable materials in reuse but are designed for recyclability where the material can be again collected and recycled for further reuse into existing end markets,” he continues. “You can’t get much better than that.”

“APR congratulates PakTech for taking action to improve the recyclability of their packaging and taking the steps to receive APR Design for Recyclability Recognition," APR President and CEO Steve Alexander says. "Recyclable packaging means less waste, more efficient use of limited natural resources and more high-quality postconsumer resin (PCR) for new products.”

The APR says that since the inception of the APR Design for Recyclability Recognition program, it has reviewed and recognized packaging from more than 120 companies, leading to the mainstream adoption of packaging innovations such as pressure-sensitive adhesives, near-infrared sortable black colorants and crystallizable polyethylene terephthalate shrink sleeves.