How Recycling Works

Why Recycling Is Important

The Zero Waste Hierarchy

The Plastic Recycling Process

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 Compliance 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.

Digital Tool Training
For a limited time, APR will offer an on-demand, virtual training session for companies.

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 Compliance 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
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.

Two-Day 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 Compliance 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
Explore the materials and services 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
Explore the wide variety of materials and services APR members purchase and sell.

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

Home About APR

About the Association of Plastic Recyclers

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.

a man speaking in front of a microphone at a conference

Our Mission

Improve all aspects of the plastic recycling process to create a sustainable business for recyclers that minimizes plastic waste, greenhouse gas emissions, and natural resource extraction.

How Can We Scale Recycling Effectively?

We want to make it easier to recycle, design for recyclability, and use recycled content—and we understand what’s needed to make that happen. Our long term goals include:

Expand Access

Establish sound policy measures to ensure all households and businesses have convenient access, clear directions, and motivation to recycle used plastic packaging and products.

Optimize Design

Guide companies to design plastic packaging and products that are compatible with the recycling system and optimize quality and quantity of recycled content.

Strengthen Demand

Remove barriers and create incentives so that companies routinely use post-consumer recycled content in products and packaging.

Create Resources

Provide accessible data, research, and communication tools that help decision makers understand the environmental and economic value of plastic recycling.

Become A Member

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

Our Impact

APR is the definitive source on designing plastic packaging so that it can be recycled and kept out of landfills, incinerators and the environment. There is much more work to be done, but we’re proud of our achievements to date.

Years of Technical Guidance

120+

Companies Received Design Recognition

300+

Member Companies Worldwide

See Our Impact

Our Work is Supported By Our Members

While APR member companies span the entire value chain, reclaimers and recyclers are the core of who we are. Our work connects companies that make, use, and otherwise support recycled plastic to overcome challenges identified by reclaimer and recycler members. We focus on evidence-based, systemic change that creates consistency in design, collection, and markets.

Explore Committee Work

a group of people talking and taking notes

APR Member Sampling

A sustainable circular economy requires cooperation across each stage of the value chain. Below are just a few of some of the 300+ members working with us to ensure our recycling systems foster recyclable design, accessible collection, and robust recovery of plastics.

What We Do

Our tools and resources help companies design packaging that can be recycled, support innovations that overcome existing recycling challenges, and encourage stable and reliable markets for post-consumer recycled content. All so that the plastic recyclers—those that we represent—can successfully turn plastic waste into a new resource.

Browse Tools

a person holding a recycling bin of plastic water bottles

Review Our Achievements

2023 Year In Review: Creating a Path Towards the Future of Plastics Recycling

Recycling works. It is essential, along with reduction and reuse, in the ever-evolving landscape to create a circular economy. As an international non-profit and the only North American organization focused exclusively on improving recycling for plastics, it has remained the focus of APR’s work for over 30 years. We stand at a pivotal moment, where the actions we take today can significantly shape the future of our planet.

2022 Year In Review: Reflections on Progress, Development, and Meeting the Challenges Facing the Plastics Recycling Industry

As in years past, 2022 saw significant developments, progress, and challenges for plastic packaging and the plastics recycling industry. Supply issues, legislative and regulatory proposals, negative media, as well as other areas of concern all combined to require greater levels of APR engagement and expertise.

Looking to Learn More or Get Involved?

Please reach out and our staff will be happy to assist.