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  • How Recycling Works
    Why Recycling Is Important The Zero Waste Hierarchy The Plastic Recycling Process Recycling in Action Plastics Recycling Glossary
  • APR Design Hub
    APR Design® Guide
    APR Design® Guide Overview
    PET Rigid Guidance
    HDPE Rigid (Colored) Guidance
    HDPE Rigid (Natural) Guidance
    PP Rigid Guidance
    PE Flexible Guidance
    APR Global Catalog
    Country Pages
    Compare Countries and Regions by Resin
    APR Design® Recognition
    Preferred Design Recognition
    Critical Guidance Recognition
    Responsible Innovation Recognition
    APR Recycling Leadership Awards
    APR Design® Recognition Directory
    Testing Protocols & Labs
    APR Testing Protocols
    APR Recommended Testing Facilities Directory
    Sorting Potential Test Protocols
    APR Design® Training
    Full Day Training
    Express Training
    Training & Tours
    Report a Problem Container APR PCR Certification
  • Tools & Resources
    APR Tools
    APR Design® Guide
    APR Global Catalog
    APR Design® Recognition
    APR Design® Training
    APR PCR Certification
    Buyers & Sellers Directory
    Model Bale Specifications
    APR Demand Champions
    Informational Resources
    How Recycling Works
    Recyclability Definition & Categories
    Academic Library
    APR Blog
    APR Webinars
    APR Podcast
    Policy Hub
    Frequently Asked Questions
    Policy Hub
    Policy Updates for Members
    Policy Priorities
    Position Statements
    Advocacy Resources
    Recycler Resources
    Report a Problem Container
    Model Bale Specifications
    Buyers & Sellers Directory
    Get APR PCR Certification
    APR Design® Guide APR PCR Certification APR Design® Recognition
  • About APR
    Meet the Team Our Impact Become A Member
    Member Hub
    Utilizing Your Member Benefits
    Navigating Your APR Membership
    Manage My Membership
    Member Directory
    Member Meetings
    APR Committee Work
    Films Technical Committee
    Olefins Technical Committee
    PET Technical Committee
    Communications and Public Affairs Committee
    Market Development Committee
    Upcoming Events
    In the News
    News Articles
    Press Releases
APR DESIGN GUIDE
  • How Recycling Works
    Why Recycling Is Important
    The Zero Waste Hierarchy
    The Plastic Recycling Process
    Recycling in Action
    Plastics Recycling Glossary
    How Recycling Works

    Recycling keeps billions of pounds of plastic out of oceans and landfills every year. Learn how the recycling process works within a larger system of solutions to tackle plastic waste, protect the environment, strengthen the economy, and build a more sustainable world.

    How Recycling Works

    Recycling keeps billions of pounds of plastic out of oceans and landfills every year. Learn how the recycling process works within a larger system of solutions to tackle plastic waste, protect the environment, strengthen the economy, and build a more sustainable world.

    How Recycling Works

    Recycling keeps billions of pounds of plastic out of oceans and landfills every year. Learn how the recycling process works within a larger system of solutions to tackle plastic waste, protect the environment, strengthen the economy, and build a more sustainable world.

    How Recycling Works

    Recycling keeps billions of pounds of plastic out of oceans and landfills every year. Learn how the recycling process works within a larger system of solutions to tackle plastic waste, protect the environment, strengthen the economy, and build a more sustainable world.

    How Recycling Works

    Recycling keeps billions of pounds of plastic out of oceans and landfills every year. Learn how the recycling process works within a larger system of solutions to tackle plastic waste, protect the environment, strengthen the economy, and build a more sustainable world.

  • APR Design Hub
    APR Design® Guide
    APR Global Catalog
    APR Design® Recognition
    APR Design® Recognition Directory
    Testing Protocols & Labs
    APR Design® Training
    Report a Problem Container
    APR PCR Certification
    APR Design® Guide
    APR Design® Guide Overview
    New to the APR Design® Guide or need a refresher? Understand why and how to use this essential tool and find helpful companion resources such as APR Testing Protocols.
    PET Rigid Guidance
    Commonly blown into a bottle or formed into a sheet, PET is known for its clarity and natural CO2 barrier properties.
    HDPE Rigid (Colored) Guidance
    Easily processed into a bottle, canister, pail, tub, squeeze tube, or closure, HDPE is known for its toughness, natural UV barrier properties, and chemical resistance.
    HDPE Rigid (Natural) Guidance
    In its natural state, HDPE appears a milky white color. Natural HDPE is separated from colored HDPE using NIR color sortation technology.
    PP Rigid Guidance
    PP is versatile and easily injection molded, blow molded or thermoformed into a bottle, canister, pail, squeeze tube, tray, tub, or closure.
    PE Flexible Guidance
    PE flexible packaging structures include bags, pouches, envelopes, sachets, removable lidding/liners, and wraps, with films including PE of various densities.
    APR Global Catalog
    Country Pages
    A consolidation of the most current plastic packaging recyclability guidelines for different countries and regions around the world (login required.)
    Compare Countries and Regions by Resin
    Compare recommendations for designing plastic packaging from one country or region to the next around the globe (login required.)
    APR Design® Recognition
    Preferred Design Recognition
    Formerly Meets Preferred Guidance, this path recognizes components or complete packages that are listed as Preferred in the APR Design® Guide.
    Critical Guidance Recognition
    If your component design falls outside of the Preferred category, follow this path if you can achieve lab-scale testing and review as specified in the APR Design® Guide.
    Responsible Innovation Recognition
    If your component cannot be evaluated by lab-scale testing, this path allows alternate testing and review as specified by the APR Design® Guide.
    APR Recycling Leadership Awards
    The inaugural APR Recycling Leadership Awards celebrate outstanding achievements to improve plastics recyclability.
    APR Design Hub

    In a circular economy, plastic packaging and products are designed to be compatible with the recycling system, reduce contamination, and enhance the stream of postconsumer resin (PCR) – which is then put back into new products. We call it Circular By Design™, and it all starts here.

    Testing Protocols & Labs
    APR Testing Protocols
    APR provides a library of peer-reviewed, technically rigorous test protocols that are used to evaluate and determine package design features with an unknown impact on recyclability.
    APR Recommended Testing Facilities Directory
    Find consultants and laboratories who have the necessary equipment and expertise to conduct the APR Testing Protocols.
    Sorting Potential Test Protocols
    APR’s Testing Protocol Library includes the Sorting Potential Test Methods, an essential set of protocols that assess how package design affects sortation.
    APR Design® Training
    Full Day Training
    Our most popular session, an engaging and insightful customized training designed to meet the needs of your team.
    Express Training
    Choose an on-site or virtual training that features a customized, albeit abbreviated, opportunity for your team to get expert advice on packaging design.
    Training & Tours
    Get the best of both worlds—detailed classroom learning combined with live recycling facility tours—alongside other brands and packaging designers.
    APR Design Hub

    In a circular economy, plastic packaging and products are designed to be compatible with the recycling system, reduce contamination, and enhance the stream of postconsumer resin (PCR) – which is then put back into new products. We call it Circular By Design™, and it all starts here.

    APR Design Hub

    In a circular economy, plastic packaging and products are designed to be compatible with the recycling system, reduce contamination, and enhance the stream of postconsumer resin (PCR) – which is then put back into new products. We call it Circular By Design™, and it all starts here.

  • Tools & Resources
    APR Tools
    Informational Resources
    Policy Hub
    Recycler Resources
    APR Design® Guide
    APR PCR Certification
    APR Design® Recognition
    APR Tools
    APR Design® Guide
    Ensure your packaging is designed for recyclability with the globally recognized APR Design® Guide.
    APR Global Catalog
    Review the latest plastic packaging recyclability guidelines from around the world.
    APR Design® Recognition
    Get recognized for your recyclable packaging or review the list of APR-recognized solutions.
    APR Design® Training
    Let APR demystify the recycling process and help your teams design better packaging.
    APR PCR Certification
    Get your PCR certified to build credibility and prepare for new requirements, or review the APR list of certified PCR vendors.
    Buyers & Sellers Directory
    Looking to buy or sell recycled plastics commodities? Explore the variety of recycled plastic commodities and resins that APR members purchase and sell.
    Model Bale Specifications
    Discover APR Model Bale Specifications for industry-standard guidelines that enhance bale quality, communication, and market acceptance in recycling.
    APR Demand Champions
    Learn about our program to encourage the use of recycled plastic over virgin resin.
    Informational Resources
    How Recycling Works
    Learn how the recycling process works within a larger system of solutions to tackle plastic waste, protect the environment, strengthen the economy, and build a more sustainable world.
    Recyclability Definition & Categories
    Get the details on what it takes for plastic to be considered recyclable.
    Academic Library
    Explore a compilation of research papers and resources from academic institutions on the topic of plastics recycling.
    APR Blog
    Read about the latest issues, trends, announcements, and more in the world of plastics recycling.
    APR Webinars
    Join our free events to boost your knowledge, learn from leaders and get the scoop on recycling tools and resources.
    APR Podcast
    Host Kara Pochiro interviews recycling and packaging experts to explore new ideas, trends, and opportunities for recycling.
    Policy Hub
    Learn how and why APR engages in policy, as well as our policy priorities.
    Frequently Asked Questions
    Explore commonly sought information about APR programs and membership.
    Policy Hub
    Policy Updates for Members
    Stay informed about the most recent activity in recycling policy across the states and around the world (login required.)
    Policy Priorities
    The most critical policies to accelerate the growth of plastics recycling.
    Position Statements
    Read APR’s policy and position statements on a variety of topics, representing the best interests of the plastics recycling industry.
    Advocacy Resources
    Explore the latest educational materials and engage with the latest policy developments in the plastics recycling industry.
    Recycler Resources
    Report a Problem Container
    Notify APR of problem containers to reduce contamination in the plastic recycling stream.
    Model Bale Specifications
    Discover APR Model Bale Specifications for industry-standard guidelines that enhance bale quality, communication, and market acceptance in recycling.
    Buyers & Sellers Directory
    Looking to buy recycled commodities or resins, or to list the recycled materials that you sell? Explore the directory or request a listing update or addition.
    Get APR PCR Certification
    Get your PCR certified to build credibility and prepare for new requirements, or review the APR list of certified PCR vendors.
    Tools & Resources

    Explore APR’s plastics recycling resources including the APR Design® guidance, recycling facts, policy updates, and more.

    Tools & Resources

    Explore APR’s plastics recycling resources including the APR Design® guidance, recycling facts, policy updates, and more.

    Tools & Resources

    Explore APR’s plastics recycling resources including the APR Design® guidance, recycling facts, policy updates, and more.

  • About APR
    Meet the Team
    Our Impact
    Become A Member
    Member Hub
    APR Committee Work
    Upcoming Events
    In the News
    About APR

    Founded over 30 years ago by mechanical recyclers, APR is an international non-profit and the only North American organization focused exclusively on improving recycling for plastics.

    About APR

    Founded over 30 years ago by mechanical recyclers, APR is an international non-profit and the only North American organization focused exclusively on improving recycling for plastics.

    About APR

    Founded over 30 years ago by mechanical recyclers, APR is an international non-profit and the only North American organization focused exclusively on improving recycling for plastics.

    Member Hub
    Utilizing Your Member Benefits
    See where you can find all of APR’s members-only content and opportunities.
    Navigating Your APR Membership
    Learn how to access and manage your membership in the APR Member Hub.
    Manage My Membership
    View and update your APR member profile (member login required).
    Member Directory
    Find and connect with APR members (member login required).
    Member Meetings
    See upcoming gatherings of APR members across the value chain.
    APR Committee Work
    Films Technical Committee
    Works to boost film recovery and markets, spreading the message that plastic film is recyclable regardless of the specific collection scheme.
    Olefins Technical Committee
    Develops and maintains design guidance, test protocols, APR Design® Recognition criteria, and model bale specifications for rigid olefin packaging.
    PET Technical Committee
    Responsible for rigid PET packaging APR Design® Guidance, test methods, and educational materials.
    Communications and Public Affairs Committee
    Supports APR as The Voice of Plastics Recycling® with the ultimate goal of increasing quality supply and demand through communication, education, and policy.
    Market Development Committee
    Promotes understanding of post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic resin markets and develops targeted programs to support them.
    About APR

    Founded over 30 years ago by mechanical recyclers, APR is an international non-profit and the only North American organization focused exclusively on improving recycling for plastics.

    In the News
    News Articles
    Press Releases
APR DESIGN GUIDE

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