US-based Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) has launched a new digital tool for its Design Guide for Plastics Recyclability on the occasion of its 30th anniversary.
The guide provides recyclability criteria to check whether the design of packaging or packaging component is compatible with the North American recycling system.
The new tool improves user experience and features new capabilities. Key updates and improvements include:
- Upgraded platform with simplified, user-friendly navigation;
- Filters to quickly locate specific design guidance;
- Customizable views providing simple summaries with options to expand for more technical detail;
- Embedded, contextually relevant links to recommended next steps such as APR Design Recognized solutions, testing protocols and resource documents;
- Convenient links to easily forward essential guidance to colleagues;
- A time stamped change log to provide transparency, credibility, and a quick way to monitor updates.
APR has also updated its full website, making it easier to find important resources and tools for stakeholders across the plastics recycling value chain and beyond.
In May, the association expanded its design for recyclability recognition programme, adding Preferred Design Recognition (PDR) for blow moulded PET bottles and containers, PET packaging constructs, natural and coloured HDPE bottles and containers, and mono-material PE stretch and collation shrink films.
The APR is also involved in initiatives to improve plastics recyclability outside North America. In 2022, it launched a global design catalogue to help companies navigate different plastics recyclability guidelines around the world. Last year, it worked together with RecyClass to harmonise US-EU guidance for design for recyclability.
Source: sustainableplastics.com
