ReMA accepting applications for 2025 Design for Recycling Award

The Recycled Materials Association (ReMA), Washington, is accepting applications for its 2025 Design for Recycling (DFR) Award.

Known as ReMA’s highest recognition, the DFR initiative began more than 30 years ago and encourages manufacturers to account for a product’s end of life by considering what else it could become during the design stage, reducing waste and reliance on natural resources.

“ReMA’s Design for Recycling Award recognizes excellence in innovation in product design and manufacturing, which is essential to a sustainable and resilient planet,” ReMA President Robin Wiener says. “Incorporating recycling into a product’s design from the conception phase is critical. ReMA applauds manufacturers who recognize that a product’s useful intent does not end because its original intent has run its course. We look forward to receiving submissions for the 2025 DFR Award.”

Winners from the last five years include the REMADE Institute, Sonoco Alloyd, Cascade Engineering and Lexmark, with a full list available on the organization’s website. To be eligible for the DFR Award, a company’s product must adhere to the following criteria:

• contain the maximum amount of materials that are recyclable;
• be easily recycled through current or newly designed recycling processes and procedures;
• be cost effective to recycle, whereby the cost to recycle does not exceed the value of its recycled materials;
• be free of hazardous materials that are not recyclable or impede the recycling process;
• minimizes the time and cost involved to recycle the product;
• reduce the use of raw materials by including recycled materials and/or components; and
• have a net gain in the overall recyclability of the product while reducing the overall negative impact on the environment.

Companies can submit their products for 2025 DFR Award consideration using ReMA's online form or electronic application on or before March 3. Applicants will be notified by March 31. The winner will officially be recognized at ReMA2025—The Show, which will take place May 12-15 in San Diego.