The Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) has launched its digital platform designed to help brands and packaging suppliers evaluate plastic package recyclability.
The APR Design Assessment Tool, developed in partnership with software developer Recyda, is a centralized, in-house managed system tied to the APR Design Guide for Plastics Recyclability. Development of the tool was first announced during Pack Expo 2025 last fall.
The tool automates the evaluation of complete plastic packages, identifying missing information, highlighting potential design incompatibilities and recommending steps to improve recyclability. It assigns items one of four recycling classifications while providing real-time assessments.
The tool can also determine if a plastic package meets requirements of California’s SB 343 labeling law, which requires compliance with the APR Design Guide. APR leadership said the tool can help companies ensure compliance with extended producer responsibility laws coming into effect across the United States and Canada.
“For over 30 years, the APR Design Guide has helped shape recyclable packaging across North America,” said Steve Alexander, president and CEO of APR. “By automating the assessment process based on this trusted guidance, we’re making it easier for companies to design packaging that meets the needs of today’s recycling system while preparing for tomorrow’s regulatory requirements.”
APR owns Resource Recycling, Inc., publisher of Plastics Recycling Update.
APR said the collaboration couples a live APR ruleset with features for data intake and reporting that can scale from individual projects to large portfolios. The platform touts third-party verification by APR that the organization said is more reliable than self-appraisal, and it is positioned to help companies coordinate design decisions with recyclability criteria that are recognized by reclaimers.
Early access is available now for the APR’s 300-plus members. Public access will open up by late September. Access will be available at three subscription tiers to meet varying size and design needs. APR will host a series of webinars on the tool in the coming weeks.
