Taking Action To Improve Recycling

We help companies across the the plastics recycling value chain with design guidance and recognition, recycled content certification and specifications, policy education and advocacy, and much more.
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Why Recycling Is Essential

Plastic waste is a major environmental challenge that requires bold, comprehensive solutions including reduction, reuse, and recycling. Providing thousands of jobs across the US, every year recycling keeps billions of pounds of plastic out of oceans and landfills and ensures more products are made from recycled material, and less from virgin plastic. Recycling is not the only solution, but it is a critical part of the system to build a more sustainable world.

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5
Billion
Pounds

Of Plastic Was Recycled in North America in 2022

Source: 2022 Post Consumer Plastic Recycling Report
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90
%

Of Plastic Collected for Recycling in North America is Processed Here (Not Exported!)

Source: 2022 Post Consumer Plastic Recycling Report
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681
K

Jobs Support Recycling & Reuse Activities in the US

Source: EPA, 2020
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“
  • APR is the most established organization saying what is and is not recyclable. Without their guidelines there would be no technical standard of what is recyclable and what is not. Their guidance is absolutely necessary in any conversation around recyclability.
    Daniel Cluskey, Printpack
  • Dart joined APR because the organization’s technical expertise in plastics recycling is second to none. The APR Design® for Recyclability Training Program is a great example of the value APR brings to our industry and it’s helping us design increasingly sustainable packaging.
    Michael Westerfield, Dart Container
  • Resource Label Group has been working with the APR for the past 3 years. We know when our RLGreen products are recognized by the APR that our customers can be guided to have best in class approved solutions that improve plastics recycling.
    Tim Bolke, Resource Label Group

APR Design® Recognition

Is your company investing in sustainable package innovation? Let the world know with APR Design® for Recyclability Recognition. This program has led to the mainstream adoption of impactful innovations like pressure sensitive adhesives, NIR sortable black colorants, and crystallizable PET shrink sleeves.
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Design Training with the Professionals

For companies of any size that design, manufacture or use plastic packaging, the APR Design® for Recyclability Training Program will inspire and empower your team to meet their sustainable packaging goals.

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Certification to Support PCR

APR Post-Consumer Resin (PCR) Certification helps meet legislative requirements, builds confidence with customers, promotes standardization and trust across the supply chain, and stabilizes the PCR market.

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Together We Break Down Barriers to Recycling

Join more than 300 companies committed to powering the circular economy.

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Collaborate Across the Value Chain

APR brings the industry together to create solutions that strengthen our recycling systems.

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Influence the Future of Plastics Recycling

Your membership amplifies the voice of plastics recycling in North America and around the world.

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Network and Expand Your Reach

Connect with members through our meetings, directories, and other marketing opportunities.

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Gain Insight on Industry Issues

Stay up to date with rapidly evolving policy, market, and technical trends affecting plastics recycling.

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About the APR Team

APR staff represent a wide variety of experience across the recycling value chain, ranging from engineering, operations, design, research, development, policy and communications. We know what it takes to make plastic recycling work, and our team is passionate about overcoming challenges and taking steps to improve the system every day.

Meet the Full Team

Latest Updates & Resources

Webinars

Educational Webinar: How to Use the New APR Design® Guide Digital Tool

Whether you are new to the APR Design® Guide for Plastics Recyclability or a long-time power user, you will want to follow along as APR introduces the new and improved APR Design® Guide digital tool. We’ve made significant updates to the user interface, making it easier to search, filter and quickly link to next steps. […]
October 2, 2024
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Policy Resources

Policymakers at every level of government are looking for solutions to reduce plastic pollution. APR champions the  environmental and economic benefits of  scaling plastics recycling alongside reduction and reuse. We provide reliable, technical support for policy development and implementation, and our staff are leading voices on the role of recycling and effective policy solutions.

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