The Association of Plastic Recyclers and the Recycled Materials Association have updated specifications for post-consumer plastic bales, following a collaborative development process between the two organizations.
The revised specifications are for:
- HDPE natural bottles
- HDPE color bottles and select containers
- HDPE injection bulky rigid plastics
- A-grade PE clear film
- B-grade PE clear film
- PE color film
- PE furniture mix film
ReMA also recently added paper cups to its materials specifications list for the first time, a move lauded by a major paper fiber packager. “The inclusion of paper cups in ReMA’s specifications is the result of years of education and collaboration across the recycling value chain,” said Ed Tucciarone, procurement director at Graphic Packaging who works closely with ReMA, in a press release. “This is a win not only for our industry, but also for the environment and for companies pursuing sustainable packaging goals.”
APR’s model bale specifications and ReMA’s ISRI Specifications provide detailed information on accepted materials and contaminants for both buyers and sellers of commodity recycled plastics. The specifications serve as benchmarks for MRFs and other recyclers for producing high-quality bales of commodity recycled plastics.
The organizations update the specifications as needed to reflect changes in post-consumer product and packaging materials, packaging design innovations, reclaimer technologies and end markets for recycled resin.
“Technology and innovation are constantly transforming the recycled materials stream,” said Robin Wiener, president of ReMA, in a joint press release. “ReMA’s ISRI Specifications are not only internationally recognized, but also essential for facilitating domestic trade for all recycled materials. We are proud to collaborate with APR on these important plastic specification updates.”
“We are looking to capture as much recyclable HDPE as possible from the recycling stream, while ensuring our PCR material quality and yields,” said Scott Saunders, general manager of KW Plastics and member of the board of directors for both APR and ReMA.
Bale contamination is a critical issue for reclaimers. And while the specifications identify contaminants that are tolerable at low levels, they also detail those that are prohibited because they are difficult or dangerous for reclaimers to manage.
“We are pleased to continue collaborative efforts with ReMA to ensure model bale specifications are aligned with current North American reclaimer practice and the latest developments in design for recyclability,” said Steve Alexander, president and CEO of APR. “Serving as an essential resource for buyers and sellers, they enable consistency and quality in recycled plastic markets.”
APR owns Resource Recycling, Inc., publisher of Plastics Recycling Update. ReMA was formerly known as the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI).
