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:
- Provide a benchmark for producers/sellers (e.g., MRFs or commercial generators) for the production of quality recycled plastic bale commodities
- Facilitate greater understanding of the packaging/products commonly accepted by reclaimers for recycling
- Provide clear specifications that help improve bale quality and contribute to higher recycled resin yields and quality
- Facilitate communication between bale producers/sellers and purchasers (e.g., plastic reclaimers)
- Provide insight for the broader marketplace and value chain, from plastic package and product developers to other stakeholders and decision makers
Please note updated specs as of September 2022 below; others are pending review and update.
PET Model Bale Specifications
- PET Bottles (No PET Thermoforms) Updated
- PET Bottles with Thermoforms Updated
- PET Thermoforms Updated
HDPE Model Bale Specifications
- HDPE Natural Bottles Updated
- HDPE Colored Bottles Updated
- HDPE Injection Bulky Rigid Plastics Updated
PP & Mixed Rigid Plastic Model Bale Specifications
- PP Small Rigid Plastics, PP All Rigid Plastics
- Tubs and Lids, Tubs and Lids with Bulky Rigid Plastics
- Mixed Bulky Rigid Plastics
- 1-7 ALL Rigid Plastics, 1-7 Bottles and SMALL Rigid Plastics (formerly known as All Rigid Plastics)
- 3-7 Bottles and ALL Other Rigid Plastics, 3-7 Bottles and SMALL Rigid Plastics (formerly known as Pre-picked)
- 1-7 Bottles and Small Rigid Plastics
Film Model Bale Specifications
- PE Clear Film Grade A Updated
- PE Clear Film Grade B Updated
- PE Colored Film Updated
- PE Furniture Mix Film Updated
- PE Agricultural Film Grade A Updated
- PE Agricultural Film Grade B Updated
- PE Retail Mix Film Updated
- PE MRF Film Updated