APR Expands Design Guide for Plastics Recyclability With Polypropylene Categories

The Association of Plastics Recyclers (APR) announced the expansion of its plastics recyclability recognition program. Six new polypropylene packaging components will now be eligible for the Preferred Design Recognition Program, formerly known as Meets Preferred Guidance.

This program provides third-party validation that products are compatible with the North American recycling system and have achieved Preferred status according to the APR Design Guide for Plastics Recyclability. 

The newly eligible packaging components include:

• PP Base Resins
• Direct Print for PP Packaging
• Closures, Fitments and Liners for PP Containers
• Complete and Unprinted Label Constructions for PP Packaging
• PP Containers/Bottles/Rigid Packages
• PP Packaging Constructions

Further expansion of the program to include PET and Colored HDPE containers and packaging constructions, as well as categories for Natural HDPE packaging and PE films, are expected in the near future. A complete list of current and upcoming recognition categories are available on the APR Design for Recyclability Recognition Program page of the APR website.

“Since its inception over 20 years ago, APR Design Recognition has reviewed and recognized packaging from more than 120 companies, leading to the mainstream adoption of impactful innovations that improve the recyclability of plastic packaging and reduce plastic waste,” says Ruben Nance, director of the Preferred Design Recognition Program at APR. “The expansion of APR's Preferred Design Recognition program will save time, effort and resources needed for brands and retailers to easily identify recyclable packaging solutions.”

There are three paths to APR Design Recognition, depending on the item being submitted: Preferred Design, Critical Guidance and Responsible Innovation. All lead to the same level of recognition, signifying that the product has met the highest criteria for recyclability according to the APR Design Guide.

For component and packaging manufacturers, the program rewards the investment required to solve recycling challenges and replace problematic items. For brands and retailers, the program provides confidence and reduces risk when making claims and complying with voluntary or legislative sustainable packaging requirements. The program also helps increase the supply of high-quality postconsumer recycled content (PCR.)