MODEL BALE SPECIFICATIONS

The APR model bale specifications provide industry-developed guidelines for recycling market acceptance of various post-consumer (including some post-commercial) recycled plastic bales. They are not intended to replace the specifications of individual buyers that may allow or prohibit different contents or bale sizes.

The model bale specifications:

1. Provide a benchmark for producers/sellers (e.g., MRFs or commercial generators) for the production of quality recycled plastic bale commodities
2. Facilitate greater understanding of the packaging/products commonly accepted by reclaimers for recycling
3. Provide clear specifications that help improve bale quality and contribute to higher recycled resin yields and quality
4. Facilitate communication between bale producers/sellers and purchasers (e.g., plastic reclaimers)
5. Provide insight for the broader marketplace and value chain, from plastic package and product developers to other stakeholders and decision makers

All model bale specifications for PET, HDPE, PP and Mixed Rigids, and Film have been updated as of September 2022 or November 2023 and are fully aligned with ISRI’s model bale specs. With the November 2023 update, the model specifications for PP and Mixed Rigid Plastics bales have been reduced to the three listed below. These updated specifications better capture common market practices and acceptable commodity variation.

PET Model Bale Specifications

• PET Bottles (No PET Thermoforms)
• PET Bottles with Thermoforms
• PET Thermoforms

HDPE Model Bale Specifications

• HDPE Natural Bottles
• HDPE Colored Bottles
• HDPE Injection Bulky Rigid Plastics

PP & Mixed Rigid Plastics Model Bale Specifications

• PP Small Rigid Plastics
• Mixed Small Rigid Plastics
• Mixed Bulky Rigid Plastics

Film Model Bale Specifications

• PE Clear Film Grade A
• PE Clear Film Grade B
• PE Colored Film
• PE Furniture Mix Film
• PE Agricultural Film Grade A
• PE Agricultural Film Grade B
• PE Retail Mix Film
• PE MRF Film

Polystyrene (Foam and Rigid) Resin Model Bale Specifications

These specifications have not been recently updated due to limited market activity for these commodities.

• Densified Depot Grade Foam Polystyrene
• Densified MRF Grade Foam Polystyrene
• Solid/Foam Polystyrene
• Solid Polystyrene

Packaging made with Polystyrene is not recyclable per APR definition. While expanded PS (EPS) can be collected and recycled through a dedicated, source-selected system, such as a distribution center stream, EPS and rigid PS fail to meet the criteria for consumer access to collection established by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission’s Green Guides. If the use of this material cannot be avoided, APR encourages suppliers to refer to the APR Design® Guide.