A trade group representing plastics recyclers is creating a new recognition program for packaging developers that meet guidelines for recyclability.
Dubbed the "Meets Preferred Guidance Review Program," the new offering from the Association of Plastic Recyclers "encourages companies that manufacture packaging materials and components, as well as finished packages, to obtain an independent assessment from APR."
The trade group then will determine whether the product meets its "APR Preferred" category based on the association's definition of recycling.
"Poor package design leads to contamination in the recycling stream which impacts not only the recyclers, but also the companies that manufacture packaging," APR Technical Consultant Sandeep Kulkarni said in a statement. Kulkarni manages APR's recognition programs. "It reduces the quality of post-consumer recycled resin that brands ultimately need to achieve their corporate sustainability goals."
The new review program will assess the compatibility of a complete package or a package design feature with current recycling processes, APR said. The group will use its APR Design Guide for Plastics Recyclability to make determinations.
"APR supports brands and manufacturers across the country and around the world in ensuring that products and packaging are made to be recycled," APR President Steve Alexander said in a statement.
"The APR Design Guide for Plastics Recyclability, coupled with APR training programs, testing protocols, and product recognition opportunities such as the Meets Preferred Guidance Review Program, give companies confidence that the items they make can be effectively recycled," he said.
Those interested can find more information about the Meets Preferred Guidance Program on the APR website at www.plasticsrecycling.org. The association is scheduled to hold a webinar at 2 p.m. Sept. 14 to discuss recognition programs, including the new program. Registration for the webinar is available at www.plasticsrecycling.org/news-events