Demand Creates Value and Value Drives Recycling.
APR knows that consistent, reliable demand for recycled plastic is critical for recycling to be mature, vibrant and sustainable. APR also knows that a strong demand-pull for recycled plastics is needed to ensurea robust recycling supply chain.
The APR Recycling Demand Champions program plays a prominent role in:
- Strengthening and increasing domestic demand for residential mixed plastics,
- Helping prevent “ocean plastics” by stimulating strong North American markets,
- Mitigating reliance on export markets,
- Driving investment,
- Producing more high-quality PCR, and
- Boosting a circular economy for plastic packaging.
What Is It and How Does it Work?
This intent of this program is two-fold: to drive end-market demand for PCR and to recognize companies for their increased investment in PCR-containing products. Businesses, government entities, universities and more can participate and through their participation they become APR Recycling Demand Champions.
Champions commit to increase their PCR use in the coming year. They achieve this by purchasing any new use of PCR. APR hosts an ever-expanding vendor directory to make it easier for companies to source products containing PCR. Each company’s commitment to purchase goods manufactured with broad specification PCR, to develop a new application for PCR, or to increase PCR usage in a current application makes a significant and measurable impact in strengthening plastic recycling markets.
Become a Champion today! Select your category below to learn more.
Private Sector Companies
Who is Eligible?
This program is designed for private businesses of all kinds and sizes. Any non-public entity may participate. Public entities are eligible to participate in the Government Recycling Demand Champions program.
What Do Champions Do?
APR Recycling Demand Champions commit to purchase new volume PCR to drive demand in the recycling marketplace. Any new use of PCR qualifies: Champions can meet their commitment through purchasing “work in process” (WIP) durable goods containing PCR or using PCR in other applications, such as packaging, film, etc. Champions play a prominent role in expanding the market for mixed residential plastics, driving investment, increasing supply and producing more high-quality PCR.
How it Works
STEP 1: Sign the Commitment Letter.
- Download and sign this pledge. Return the completed form to APR's Director of Market Development.
STEP 2: Purchase PCR containing item(s) OR expand your current use of PCR
- Buy everyday use/catalog order items or WIP (work-in-process) items, and/or
- Increase the amount of PCR in a current product or application, and/or
- Develop a new product or application for PCR.
STEP 3: Report your progress.
- Within 12 months of becoming a Demand Champion, purchase or manufacture your PCR containing item(s) and report to APR. A reporting form will be sent to you. All data submitted to APR will remain confidential and NDAs can be executed upon request.
STEP 4: Be recognized for your commitment to supporting end-market demand.
- Your company’s prominent role in expanding the markets for mixed residential plastics will be actively promoted by APR. Check out our current and past Demand Champion companies and the far-reaching press the program has received!
Helpful Resources
Government Entities
Who is Eligible?
The Government Recycling Demand Champion program is designed specifically for non-federal public sector entities, such as state, regional, and local governmental entities, as well as public and private schools and colleges/universities. This program is offered in conjunction with the Northeast Recycling Council (NERC).
What’s the Difference Between Champions and Advocates?
Government Recycling Demand Champions commit to purchasing products that contain post-consumer recycled plastics (PCR) in order to stimulate and create domestic markets for recyclable plastics and thereby drive sustainable plastic recycling. Any and all NEW purchases of products with PCR apply.
The program has two tiers for participation:
- Champions are full program participants that commit to purchasing products made with post-consumer recycled plastic.
- Advocates intend to purchase products made with post-consumer recycled plastic, but their organization is not ready to act, but will within a year of joining the program. State Recycling Organization Advocates commit to helping publicize the program and promote purchasing of products with post-consumer resin to their members and the public.
How it WorksSTEP 1: Sign the Commitment Letter.
- Download and sign this pledge. Return the completed form to Lynn Rubinstein.
STEP 2: Purchase PCR-containing items
STEP 3: Report your progress.
- By the following year of becoming a Government Recycling Demand Champion, purchase PCR-containing item(s) and report to NERC. The annual reporting form is available online here.
STEP 4: Be recognized for your commitment to supporting end-market demand.
- Your organization’s prominent role in expanding the markets for recyclable plastics will be actively promoted by NERC and APR.
- You will receive a certificate recognizing your commitment as a Government Recycling Demand Champion.
Helpful Resources
- Champion Fact Sheet
- Advocate Fact Sheet
- Advocate Fact Sheet for State Recycling Organizations
- Commitment Letter
- Vendors of PCR Products
- Annual Reporting Form
- Roadmap to Recycled Content
- EPA Recycled Content Benefits Calculator
Current Champions
Current Advocates
Current State Recycling Organization Advocates
State Recycling Organizations
Who is Eligible?
APR and NERC have designated a special option for State Recycling Organizations to become Government Recycling Demand Advocates. These Advocates commit to:
- Promoting the NERC-APR Government Recycling Demand Champions program to their public sector members and other representatives of the recycling community in their state, and to support their joining the program as Advocates or Champions of the NERC-APR Government Recycling Demand Champions program, and
- Promoting the APR Recycling Demand Champions program to their private sector members and other representatives of the recycling community in their state, and to support their joining the program as APR Recycling Demand Champions.
How it Works
STEP 1: Review the Program Flyer.
Get the full details on how to participate here.
STEP 2: Sign the Commitment Letter.
“We commit to promote the NERC-APR Government Recycling Demand Champions program to our public sector members and the APR Recycling Demand Champions program to our private sector members.”
Click here for the SRO committment letter, then submit to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., NERC.
STEP 3: Promote the Programs to your members.
Promote both Recycling Demand Champions programs using social media, blog posts, newsletter articles and other avenues of communications with your members.
ONGOING: Promotion & Recognition
Your organization’s prominent role in expanding the markets for recyclable plastics will be actively promoted by NERC and APR. You will receive a certificate recognizing your commitment as a Government Recycling Demand Advocate.
Current Advocates
Resources
- Find products that contain PCR in this directory that APR manages.
- Find certified PCR here.
- APR Buyers & Sellers Directory
- EPA Waste Reduction Model (WARM)
- Roadmap to Recycled Content for Public Entities
- Buy Recycled Products Directory from More Recycling
- The Foundation for Plastics Recycling's educational campaign "Buy Recycled Now" (geared towards consumer education)
- Year 1 Program Impact: APR Recycling Demand Champions (private sector)
- Year 2 Program Impact: APR Recycling Demand Champions (private sector)
- Year 3 Program Impact: APR Recycling Demand Champions (private sector)
- Three-Year Comparison of Program Impacts (private sector)
