Two testing protocols that determine whether film packaging is compatible with the current recycling infrastructure, along with an additional resource, have been updated and published by the leading plastics recycling authority in North America. The Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) has announced the publication of the updated PE Film Critical Guidance Test Protocol,  the Metal Sortation Potential Test Protocol, and the  PE Film Standard Processing Lab Practices as part of the the APR Design Guide for Plastics Recyclability.

The test protocols, resulting from extensive industry collaboration, measure the capability of innovative film packaging to be sorted and recycled into new thin film applications. The PE Film Standard Processing Lab Practices document details the steps recommended by the APR to prepare PE film and flexible products for use in protocols that evaluate the compatibility of the materials with commercial PE film recycling processes.

“PE film and flexible packaging is a fast-growing segment for consumer brands,” states Sandi Childs, APR’s director of films and flexible packaging. “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. Once approved by APR, companies are eligible to market their innovation as formally recognized by APR and compatible with current recycling infrastructure.

“Cleaner supply results in more efficient processing, lower cost, and higher quality PCR that ultimately delivers products consumers want to buy,” adds Steve Alexander, APR president and CEO. “These updates are consistent with our efforts to ensure that the APR Design Guide remains the essential reference document and industry standard in recycling compatibility test protocols.”

As the international trade association representing the plastics recycling industry, the APR works to ensure that design resources accurately reflect the operations and technology in the most current North American plastics recycling infrastructure. Frequent updates are essential to confirm that the recycling industry’s recommendations in today’s marketplace are accurately reflected.