The Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) and RecyClass have published the second progress report of their collaboration, which aims to accelerate the global harmonization of plastic recyclability. 

Key updates include streamlining the measurement of intrinsic viscosity variation for PET bottles and harmonizing the filter pack used in extrusion during HDPE and PP rigid packaging recyclability tests to facilitate future common assessments.

“We are pleased to maintain the impactful partnership between APR and RecyClass as both organizations remain committed to promoting innovation, harmonizing design for recyclability guidance, and continued progress toward a global circular economy for plastics,” says Steve Alexander, APR president and CEO. 

Over the past year, APR and RecyClass conducted extensive test campaigns. The main areas of investigation included inks and laminating adhesives for PE films, additives that cause yellowing in recycled PET for bottles, and metallized labels.

Following the results, the two associations actively participated in the respective Technical Committees to align the benchmarks of the APR Critical Guidance Test Protocols and RecyClass Recyclability Evaluation Protocols. 

“In an era where sustainability is gaining momentum, global harmonization of packaging design is critical to boosting plastic recycling rates and helping brands meet their environmental goals,” states Paolo Glerean, chairman, RecyClass. “We are extremely proud of the significant progress made in 2024 and look forward to the next steps in our collaboration with APR.”

Moving forward, APR and RecyClass are set to conduct further test campaigns to enhance the Design for Recycling Guidelines for various packaging solutions. These efforts will help ensure better alignment and effectiveness of recyclability standards worldwide.