APR publishes first semiannual plastics design guide update

The Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) has published the first semiannual APR Design Guide for Plastics Recyclability update. APR informed membership in December 2025 that APR Design Guide updates, which were previously published immediately upon adoption, would transition to a semiannual schedule with new publishing dates of March 30 and September 30 each year. 

This schedule enables seamless integration with the upcoming APR Design Assessment Tool, better alignment with How2Recycle and Europe's RecyClass, improved coordination with translations of the APR Design Guide, and better communication with testing labs and Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs).

"By moving to a semiannual update schedule, APR is easing the process of coordinating the APR Design Guide with other tools and programs which rely on these updates," said Curt Cozart, APR COO. "This approach improves translation and copyright efficiency while ensuring our guidance continues to evolve with real-world recycling systems."

Balancing updates with easily accessible information on plastics recyclability 

The most recent update is currently available on the APR website in English, with translations to Spanish, French, and Mandarin to be completed in the coming weeks. As updated APR Design Guidance is published at semiannual increments, the modifications are detailed in the Change Log.

The APR Design Guide is developed through a rigorous, open, and collaborative process led by APR's Technical Committees, where packaging and recycling experts evaluate challenges, test innovations, and create publicly available APR Design Guidance. As the only North American packaging design criteria endorsed by recyclers, it reflects real-world conditions through balanced representation across the plastics recycling value chain, including required input from reclaimers. Because of this inclusive, data-driven approach, the APR Design Guide remains dynamic — continuously evolving alongside recycling systems and packaging technologies to support better design decisions and drive innovation.

"APR remains committed to improving recycling for plastics by providing clear, actionable design guidance that reflects the needs of the industry," added Steve Alexander, APR president and CEO. "Through ongoing collaboration and innovation, the APR Design Guide will continue to support progress toward a more circular economy."