APR enhances PCR certification program to meet growing demand for accountability in recycling
New updates align with international standards and emerging regulations, ensuring transparency and accountability
The Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) has upgraded the APR PCR certification program in response to the growing demand for more accountability in recycling from government regulators, brand companies, and in the broader media. APR's updated program stands out for being straightforward and aligned with international standards, as well as anticipated domestic requirements such as California and Oregon EPR legislation.
Enhance accountability and transparency in recycling
"The APR PCR certification program provides stronger accountability and transparency to prepare companies for requirements on recycled plastic resin that are emerging in laws across North America and globally, particularly in minimum content mandates and EPR for packaging laws," saysstated Steve Alexander, president and CEO of APR. "It is a robust, reliable, and verifiable mechanism to prove a claim for minimum PCR content, and to meet customer needs and EPR requirements such as those in California's SB54 regulations."
APR PCR certification is a third-party independent assessment and verification that recycled content (plastic pellets or flake) originates from post-consumer sources, such as the plastic packaging commonly recycled by U.S. households. It prepares recyclers and brand companies for upcoming regulatory changes while setting high-performance standards for leading organizations.
Program global expansion and standardization
Since its launch in 2021, the certification has been awarded to more than 35 plastic recyclers, covering an estimated 30 percent or more of the post-consumer PET, PP, HDPE, and LDPE/LLDPE produced in North America. The program's updates aim to expand its reach and bring greater stability to the PCR market.
Based on ISO Chain-of-Custody and Traceability standards, including requirements for elements of management systems to be in place and traceability through sales of product, the program covers all major types of plastic resin and can be used in any application of recycled content.
The standard was written in coordination with RecyClass's Audit Scheme for Recycled Plastics Traceability and associated modules to provide needed global harmonization and more efficient processing for multinational companies. The updated program will be more efficient for multi-site companies, allowing for multi-site certification under one "corporate" certificate.
"The new program will be rolled out in phases, beginning with a new standard developed for reclaimers and recyclers, followed by a standard covering converters and finished goods manufacturers," added Rita Phillip, APR PCR certification program director. "This third-party validation builds trust between buyers and sellers of recycled plastic and strengthens the overall marketplace."
