The Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) has made six new packaging components eligible for the Preferred Design Recognition (PDR) program, formerly known as Meets Preferred Guidance (MPG). This program provides third-party validation that products are compatible with the North American recycling system and have achieved preferred status according to the APR Design Guide for Plastics Recyclability. The newly eligible packaging components include:
- PP base resins
- Direct rrint for PP packaging
- Closures, fitments, and liners for PP containers
- Complete and unprinted label constructions for PP packaging
- PP containers/bottles/rigid packages
- PP packaging constructions
Further expansion of the program to include PET and colored HDPE containers and packaging constructions, as well as categories for natural HDPE packaging and PE films, are expected soon.
"Since its inception over 20 years ago, APR Design Recognition has reviewed and recognized packaging from more than 120 companies, leading to the mainstream adoption of impactful innovations that improve the recyclability of plastic packaging and reduce plastic waste," said Ruben Nance, APR's Preferred Design Recognition program director. "The expansion of APR's Preferred Design Recognition program will save time, effort, and resources needed for brands and retailers to easily identify recyclable packaging solutions."
There are three paths to APR Design Recognition, depending on the item being submitted: Preferred Design, Critical Guidance, and Responsible Innovation. All lead to the same level of recognition, signifying that the product has met the criteria for recyclability according to the APR Design Guide.
For component and packaging manufacturers, the program rewards the investment required to solve recycling challenges and replace problematic items. For brands and retailers, the program provides confidence and reduces risk when making claims and complying with voluntary or legislative sustainable packaging requirements. The program also helps increase the supply of high-quality post-consumer recycled content (PCR).
