The APR Design Guide for recyclable packaging is now available in Spanish and Mandarin, and includes modifications to suit variations in recycling infrastructure. | Pavlo Lys/Shutterstock
The Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) has published its design guide in both Mandarin and Spanish, to help reinforce ongoing commitment to global alignment of guidelines for plastic packaging design for recyclability.
The Spanish translation was completed through a partnership between APR and Mexico’s ECOCE, while the Mandarin translation was developed with the China National Resource Recycling Association (CRRA) and the Research Institute for Environmental Innovation (Suzhou), Tsinghua (RIET), according to an APR press release.
APR owns Resource Recycling, Inc., publisher of Plastics Recycling Update.
The translations of the APR Design Guide include modifications to account for differences in recycling infrastructure in Mexico and China. The guide also has been translated into French to help support producer responsibility organizations Éco Entreprises Québec (ÉEQ) and RECYC-QUÉBEC.
“APR is pleased to partner with ECOCE, CRRA and RIET as we work to align plastic design for recyclability across the globe,” said Steve Alexander, president and CEO of APR. “Our shared commitment to building a circular economy and improving plastic recycling is what drives these partnerships.”
Jorge Terrazas, general manager of ECOCE, said, “At ECOCE, we believe that sharing knowledge and aligning recycling standards is key to accelerating the circular economy. This collaboration with APR, CRRA, and RIET represents a step forward in building bridges between regions, fostering technical alignment and ensuring that every design decision contributes to a more sustainable future.”
Yonggang Wang, secretary general of Chinese Plastic Recycling Association of the CRRA said, “The release of the APR Design Guide in Mandarin will help us better understand the plastic North American guidelines for recyclability design.” Additionally, CRRA is building a Chinese standard system for easy recycling and regeneration as well as gradually establishing a full-chain traceability management mechanism covering design, recycling, regeneration and certification.
RIET Vice President Xin Yao added, “RIET recognizes the importance of international collaboration in advancing design for recycling. Working alongside APR, ECOCE and CRRA allows us to exchange technical expertise, build alignment on recyclability standards, and support the development of solutions that enhance recycling systems and contribute to a more sustainable circular economy.”
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