As plastic packaging continues to evolve, so too will the testing protocols used to determine recyclability, according to the Association of Plastic Recyclers.
“It’s going to continue to be a focus in 2017 where we’re totally updating and adding to our testing protocols,” said Kara Pochiro, communications director for APR. The national trade association will also work to harmonize domestic protocols with those used in Europe.
APR regularly works to update its Design Guide for Plastics Recyclability, essentially a how-to manual to help brand owners and packaging designers create packaging that can be recycled. When those companies create packaging prototypes, they can choose to send them through a testing process to ensure they won’t inhibit recycling. APR creates those testing procedures. If the testing was done correctly and the packaging passed, APR publicly confirms the packages are recyclable.
“The guide is really growing and growing in its influence in the marketplace and becoming sort of the go-to guide that’s out there,” said Steve Alexander, APR’s executive director. “That’s the intent. We’re the recyclers. At the end of the day, we know whether something is recyclable or not.”
In October, APR presented to Walmart’s suppliers about the Design Guide for Plastics Recyclability at a supplier summit. An updated version of the guide was released in June 2016.
Changing packaging
New labels, inks, adhesives, additives, fillers, layers and more can inhibit recycling of plastic packaging. Often, brand owners will make those packaging alterations without understanding the impacts on downstream recovery. But packages that aren’t recoverable or contaminate the stream can hurt brand owners’ ability to meet their own sustainability goals.
“The labels are a very large component of where a lot of the testing needs to be done,” Alexander said.
In 2017, APR plans to update testing procedures for PET, PP and HDPE items and create new protocols for flexible films. Additionally, the group will draft methods for tracking plastics flowing through materials recovery facilities (MRFs).
Pochiro said all new protocols, which undergo a thorough review and testing process, are expected to be completed by the end of the year. The film testing procedures are already being drafted and are expected to be finished by mid-year, she said.
Aligning with Europe
The group will also work to harmonize its protocols with those used in the European Union. Multinational brands would rather not go through two different testing protocols if they don’t have to, Alexander noted.
APR’s protocols are already being referenced in multiple countries on multiple continents. APR want to harmonize them with Europe, which has developed infrastructures and recycling mindsets.
Alexander described the differences between APR’s protocols and those employed in Europe as “very minor.”
