The Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) and Europe’s RecyClass released the third joint report on progress toward global harmonization of plastic recyclability.
Among the key updates for package design for recyclability are aligning natural polypropylene (PP) design guidance, agreement on tie layers that are fully compatible with PE film recycling, and definition of blue tints for PET packaging.
The two nonprofits also “continued their divide and conquer approach to assess the recycling impact of commonly used additives,” according to the report. APR took the lead in developing a test method to better evaluate the heat stability of toners in PET bottles, while RecyClass focused on studying reheat additives. Findings from these projects will be shared across the organizations to support future guidance proposals.
“As we wrap up our third year of collaboration, our partnership with RecyClass continues to deliver meaningful alignment and progress,” said Steve Alexander, president and CEO of North America-based APR. “Together, we are strengthening global design for recyclability guidance, supporting innovation, and advancing practical solutions that move the plastics value chain closer to a circular economy.”
Taking a coordinated approach significantly reduced duplicated efforts while also improving consistency and efficiency. “In an environment of ever-evolving legislative requirements, global harmonisation is essential to ensure that recyclability claims are robust, consistent and credible across markets,” said Paolo Glerean, chairman of RecyClass. “Our collaboration with APR enables us to base alignment on scientific evidence, reduce divergences in recyclability assessments, and provide clearer guidance to the entire plastics value chain.”
During extensive testing campaigns over the past year, APR and RecyClass worked closely to coordinate both the scope and execution of the studies. The two groups shared and evaluated test data and findings, then adopted relevant outcomes.
Looking ahead, APR and RecyClass will continue collaborating on additional testing to further strengthen Design for Recycling Guidelines across packaging formats, to help improve global alignment, increase consistency in recyclability standards and support the development of packaging solutions that are more effectively recycled worldwide.
APR owns Resource Recycling, Inc., publisher of Plastics Recycling Update.
