The Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) recently announced updates to the recyclability category and formal position for Degradable Additives, Nutrients, and Supplements.  Based on APR’s definition of recyclable, they are now included in the “RENDERS THE PACKAGE NON-RECYCLABLE” category in the APR Design Guide for Plastics Recyclability leading to APR’s formal position to state they are not recyclable.

According to the APR Design Guide, a package design feature “RENDERS THE PACKAGE NON-RECYCLABLE” if the majority of Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) or reclaimers cannot remove these features to the degree required to generate a marketable end product. A package including Degradable Additives, Nutrients, or Supplements cannot be detected using commercially available technologies and will affect both the quality and yield of post-consumer recycled resin (PCR) when they perform as designed. An item, package, or film that contains any design feature that is considered non-recyclable renders the entire item, package, or film Not Recyclable.

“This change in categorization is based on research and reports published by independent research groups and better aligns APR with other NGOs in the recycling and circularity space as well as international manufacturers and retailers,” said Steve Alexander, APR President & CEO. “This update clearly reflects APR’s mission to improve all aspects of the plastics recycling process and protects the quality and yield of the PCR stream.”

The “RENDERS THE PACKAGE NON-RECYCLABLE” categorization includes degradable and biodegradable materials that are not certified compostable, including, but not limited to, bio-assimilating, oxo-degradable, oxo-biodegradable, enzymatic, anaerobic, and photodegradable materials used in plastic packaging and film to accelerate (bio)degradation.

“The latest updates to the APR Design Guide are a positive move toward global harmonization of recyclability principles. Aligning recommendations on different packaging features, especially those with negative impact for recycling, is essential for boosting wide-spread, circular innovation of plastic materials,” comments Paolo Glerean, chairman of RecyClass.

Degradable additives may present technical challenges for the mechanical recycling process and future uses of products produced from that process. It is possible that the integrity and/or useful life of plastic packaging or durable products made from recycled resins that contain these additives could be compromised.

“We applaud APR’s decision to categorize degradable additives as “RENDERS THE PACKAGE NON-RECYCLABLE.” As noted by APR, there is a clear consensus from the broader environmental and packaging communities that degradable additives are expected to negatively affect plastic recycling. At Berry Global, we believe the most effective solution to address plastic waste is to create a circular economy for plastics by designing products for recycling and reuse, incorporating recycled content, and investing in recycling and waste management infrastructure,” adds Rob Flores, VP of sustainability at Berry Global.

“As we continue to move toward a circular economy, it’s essential that we carefully consider the impact of all packaging materials on the recycling process. APR’s updated position on degradable additives is aligned with the U.S. Plastics Pact’s Problematic and Unnecessary Materials List and offers important guidance to help ensure the quality of recycled plastics. We support efforts that bring clarity to the recyclability of materials, helping to inform decisions that benefit both the industry and the environment,” says Jonathan Quinn, CEO of US Plastics Pact.

Encouraging the recycling of containers that include degradable additives may be contrary to the goals of the recycling process for plastics.  APR cautions companies to carefully review the Federal Trade Commission Green Guides, as well as US state laws and European directives, when considering whether to label these traditionally recycled plastic containers as both degradable and recyclable.