APR unveils new APR Design Assessment Tool

The Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) has announced the launch of the APR Design Assessment Tool powered by Recyda. This new digital platform helps companies quickly and accurately assess the technical recyclability of plastic packaging and packaging portfolios. 

Early access is now available exclusively to APR members, with public availability expected in late September. 

Built on the APR Design Guide for Plastics Recyclability, the APR Design Assessment Tool was developed in partnership with Recyda, a provider of sustainable packaging software solutions. By combining APR’s technical expertise with advanced digital capabilities, the tool automates the design evaluation of complete plastic packages, helping companies save time and reduce the risk of self-assessment as they prepare for legislative and regulatory requirements.

With the APR Design Guide built into the tool, companies gain confidence that their packaging designs align with the most up-to-date, reliable design guidance. 

The APR Design Assessment Tool guides users through a series of steps to understand packaging makeup. Along the way it identifies missing information, highlights potential design incompatibilities, recommends opportunities to improve recyclability, and ultimately assigns an APR Design classification: Preferred Design for Recycling, Tolerated but Needs Improvement, Non-Recyclable, or Requires Testing. Additionally, the tool will determine if a plastic package meets the requirements of California’s Labeling Law, SB 343, which requires compliance with the APR Design Guide.

EPR Legislation

As Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws and recyclability labeling requirements expand across North America, companies face increasing pressure to demonstrate that their packaging meets recyclability requirements. The APR Design Guide serves as the benchmark for recyclable plastic packaging design in several US state laws, including California’s SB 54 and SB 343, and the basis for applicable EPR fees across Canada. The APR Design Assessment Tool brings this trusted guidance into a digital platform, helping companies efficiently evaluate packaging design and prepare for regulatory requirements. 

“For over 30 years, the APR Design Guide has helped shape recyclable packaging across North America,” says Steve Alexander, president and CEO, APR. “By automating the assessment process based on this trusted guidance, we’re making it easier for companies to design packaging that meets the needs of today’s recycling system while preparing for tomorrow’s regulatory requirements.”