APR responds to plastic can recyclability claims

(An earlier image that was linked to this story was used incorrectly. The can previously displayed was a multilayer structure from Sonoco made of polypropylene [PP] and ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer [EVOH] that did not have a metal lid. The PET cans referenced in the article are those with a metal lid. Recycling Today apologizes for the error.)

The Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR), Washington, an international trade organization representing the plastics recycling industry, has responded to claims by plastic can manufacturers that their products are recyclable, saying PET (polyethylene terephthalate) cans with metal lids contaminates the PET recycling stream. APR says it urges companies considering the use of plastic cans to proceed with caution.

“There is a reason Maine, Illinois and Minnesota imposed restrictions or bans on this type of packaging,” says Steve Alexander, executive director of APR. “A plastic can with a metal lid is a contaminant to PET recycling and not compatible with today’s material recovery and plastics reclamation systems.” 

The state restrictions were imposed in response to production of plastic cans in the 1980s and their negative impact on the recycling process. These laws remain in effect today and have led many companies to withdraw support of this type of container.

Although the PET portion of the can may be recyclable, the metal lid is seamed onto the PET, APR says, and no practical solutions area available to separate the two materials in material recovery facilities (MRFs), rendering the entire container nonrecyclable. 

“APR has already reached out to companies producing plastic cans to voice the concerns of the plastic recycling industry,” says Byron Geiger, president of Custom Polymers PET and chairman of the APR PET Technical Committee. “Brand companies consistently require suppliers to provide evidence of compatibility with recycling. The APR works with companies to ensure this is possible and offered this support in communication with plastic can manufacturers.”

The APR says it has created laboratory test methods used to assess the impact of new innovations to the recycling market as part of The APR Champions for Change program. Companies use these tests to confirm their innovations do not interfere with recycling. Once testing requirements are met, those companies receive APR Critical Guidance Recognition. This process addresses the challenge of introducing packaging that is consistent with recycling technology, and the APR says it encourages plastic can producers’ participation.

Additional information about metal components or attachments on PET containers is detailed in The APR Design Guide for Plastics Recyclability. With newly updated and expanded content, this comprehensive design resource outlines the plastics recycling industry’s recommendations in the marketplace today. The goal of the APR Design Guide is to have packaging designed that is compatible with the recycling infrastructure.

“As the Voice of Plastics Recycling, APR strives to solve industry challenges,” says John Standish, APR Technical Director. “Because the plastic can is a significant contaminant to the plastic recycling stream, we encourage their producers to collaborate with APR to design packaging that is recyclable and sustainable.”