A new testing protocol that determines whether film packaging is compatible with the current recycling infrastructure has been developed by the leading plastics recycling authority in North America.
APR
APR publishes PE film critical guidance and test documents
The Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) recently announced the publication of the PE Film Critical Guidance Test Protocol as an addition to The APR Design Guide for Plastics Recyclability. The new test, resulting from extensive industry collaboration, measures the capability of innovative film packaging to be recycled into new thin film applications.
Sandi Childs, APR’s Director of Films and Flexible Packaging, said: “PE film and flexible packaging is a fast-growing segment for consumer brands. The ability to measure compatibility with recycling is vital to keeping a clean stream of materials flowing to recyclers from retail store drop-off bins.”
To achieve APR Critical Guidance Recognition, companies must first successfully complete the protocol with a third party testing laboratory, and then present the results to APR for formal review and approval. Simply completing the test without APR final review does not allow a company to publicly present compliance with The APR Design Guide for Plastics Recyclability. Once approved by APR, companies are eligible to market their innovation as formally recognised by APR and compatible with current recycling infrastructure.
Jon Stephens, President of Natura PCR, LLC and Chair of APR’s Film and Flexibles Technical Committee, added: “Cleaner supply results in more efficient processing, lower cost, and higher quality PCR that ultimately delivers products consumers want to buy. We rely on APR to establish the industry standard in recycling compatibility test protocols. This test protocol was truly an effort that involved all participants in the PE film value chain.”
APR works to ensure that design resources accurately reflect the operations and technology in use by today’s North American plastics recycling infrastructure. APR is currently updating the PE Film Benchmark Test, a companion to the PE Film Critical Guidance Test Protocol, which will measure recycling compatibility with composite plastic lumber and thicker grade industrial films.