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

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

Polystyrene (Foam and Rigid) Resin Model Bale Specifications

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