APR’s third-party verification for recycled content claims strengthens confidence
Companies can verify post-consumer recycled content in finished products to increase compliance and accountability
The Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) has expanded its PCR Certification Program to certify the presence and verify the percentage of post-consumer recycled (PCR) content in finished and semi-finished plastic products.
Previously focused on certifying PCR material produced by recyclers in pellet or flake form, the program now extends across the supply chain, enabling manufacturers, brand owners, brokers, distributors, traders, and other organizations that buy, sell, or handle PCR to verify recycled content claims through independent third-party certification.
Verifying post-consumer content claims
The new producer standard is based on ISO chain-of-custody and traceability requirements, providing a rigorous process to verify that companies are using recycled plastic in the amounts they claim. Certified companies will be listed in the APR Certified PCR Directory, creating a trusted resource for organizations seeking products and packaging made with certified PCR.
"Expanding APR PCR Certification to include producers and supply chain participants strengthens confidence in recycled content claims and supports the growing demand for transparency and accountability," said Rita Phillip, program director for APR PCR Certification. "This program helps ensure that companies claiming to use recycled plastic can substantiate those claims with independent, third-party verification."
As demand for verified recycled content grows, APR PCR Certification is increasingly recognized as a trusted tool for compliance and accountability. The standard is aligned with RecyClass's Recycled Plastics Traceability Certification standard, supporting harmonization of recycled-content verification across North America and Europe.
"Making new products from post-consumer recycled plastic — plastic packaging commonly recycled by households and businesses — is one of the most effective ways to reduce plastic waste and decrease reliance on virgin plastic," added Steve Alexander, APR president and CEO. "Because recycled content cannot be visually distinguished from virgin plastic, third-party certification is essential for verifying recycled content claims."
