APR Expands APR Design Recognition Program for Plastic Recycling

The Plastics Recycling Association (APR) recently announced that six new packaging components are eligible for its Preferred Design Approval (PDR) program, previously known as Compliance with Preferred Guidelines (MPG). The APR Design Accreditation Program ensures that products are compatible with North American recycling systems through third-party verification and receive preferred status according to APR's Plastic Recyclability Design Guidelines, the organization said.

New packaging components to the APR Design Recognition Program include:

◆ Polypropylene (PP) base resin;

◆ Suitable for direct printing of PP packaging;

◆PP container lid, accessories and lining;

◆ Complete and unprinted label structure suitable for PP packaging;

◆PP containers, bottles and rigid packaging;

◆ and PP packaging structure.

APR said the program will be further expanded to include categories of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and colored high density polyethylene (HDPE) containers and packaging structures, as well as natural HDPE packaging and PE films. A full list of current and upcoming categories can be found here.

"Since its inception more than 20 years ago, the APR Design Recognition Program has reviewed and endorsed packaging from more than 120 companies, driving mainstream adoption of impactive innovations in plastic packaging, increasing its recyclability and reducing the generation of plastic waste," said Ruben Nance, Director of APR's Preferred Design Recognition Program. "The expansion of APR's Preferred Design Recognition program will save brands and retailers the time, effort and resources needed to identify recyclable packaging solutions."

Depending on the type of plastic submitted, the APR Design Recognition Program has three paths: Preferred Design, Critical Guidance, and Responsible Innovation. All paths eventually reach the same level of approval, meaning that the product meets the highest recyclability standards according to the APR design guidelines.

For component and packaging manufacturers, APR says the APR Design Recognition program rewards the investment needed to solve recycling challenges and replace problematic items. For brands and retailers, the organization added that the program provides confidence and reduces risk when making claims and complying with voluntary or legislative sustainable packaging requirements. The program also aims to help increase the supply of post-consumer recycled ingredients (PCR).