The Association of Plastics Recyclers (APR) has announced a new program to recognize companies that develop packaging that meet the "APR Preferred" category, according to APR's definition of recyclability outlined in the APR Design Guide for Plastics Recyclability.
Participation in the Meets Preferred Guidance (MPG) Review Program encourages companies that manufacture packaging materials and components, as well as finished packages, to obtain an independent assessment from APR to determine if their product meets the Preferred guidance criteria.
"Poor package design leads to contamination in the recycling stream which impacts not only the recyclers, but also the companies that manufacture packaging," stated Sandeep Kulkarni, APR's Technical Consultant that manages APR Recognition Programs. "It reduces the quality of postconsumer recycled resin (PCR) that brands ultimately need to achieve their corporate sustainability goals."
APR's MPG Program is an engineering assessment of the technical compatibility of either a package design feature, or a complete package, with today's plastics recycling processes. Packaging designed to have negligible or no impact on the quality of recycled plastics, as well as negligible or no impact on the productivity of the recycling process, enable a circular economy.
The use of plastic packages that achieve the design principles outlined in the APR Design® Guide for Plastics Recyclability help to ensure that good quality recycled plastic is available in the market for brand companies that are committed to using PCR in their plastic products.
"APR supports brands and manufacturers across the country and around the world in ensuring that products and packaging are made to be recycled," commented Steve Alexander, APR President & CEO. "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."
APR will hold a free webinar on September 14th at 2:00 pm eastern to detail the MPG Program, as well as the other Recognition Programs that APR offers. Register now.
Visit the APR website for more information about the Meets Preferred Guidance Program, as well as other Recognition Programs APR offers.
