APR and RecyClass publish third progress report

The Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) and RecyClass have published the third progress report of their collaboration. Their goal is to accelerate the global harmonization of plastic recyclability. 

Key updates include alignment with natural polypropylene (PP) design guidance. Plus, RecyClass and APR reached agreement on tie layers that are fully compatible with polyethylene (PE) film recycling. Finally, they found alignment in defining blue tints in PET.

“As we wrap up our third year of collaboration, our partnership with RecyClass continues to deliver meaningful alignment and progress,” says Steve Alexander, APR president and CEO. “Together, we are strengthening global design for recyclability guidance, supporting innovation, and advancing practical solutions that move the plastics value chain closer to a circular economy.”

Coordinated efforts

Over the past year, APR and RecyClass have carried out extensive testing campaigns. They have worked closely to coordinate both the scope and execution of the studies. Test data and findings were shared and evaluated collaboratively, with relevant outcomes adopted by each organization’s technical committees when appropriate. This coordinated approach has significantly reduced duplication of effort while improving consistency and efficiency across recyclability evaluations. 

“In an environment of ever-evolving legislative requirements, global harmonization is essential to ensure that recyclability claims are robust, consistent, and credible across markets,” comments Paolo Glerean, chairman of RecyClass. “Our collaboration with APR enables us to base alignment on scientific evidence, reduce divergences in recyclability assessments, and provide clearer guidance to the entire plastics value chain.”

In the future

Looking ahead, APR and RecyClass will continue collaborating on additional test campaigns. They are aiming at further strengthening Design for Recycling Guidelines across a range of packaging formats. Through these ongoing efforts, the organizations seek to improve global alignment and increase consistency in recyclability standards. They are also supporting the development of packaging solutions that are more effectively recycled worldwide.