January 28, 2019 - APR Press Release
January 28, 2019 - APR Press Release
APR Press Release
Association of Plastic Recyclers Report: Use of Recycled Plastic Linked to Reduced Energy Consumption, Lower Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Washington, DC – A new report published today by the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR), the international trade association representing the plastics recycling industry, finds significant reductions in energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions associated with incorporating recycled plastic resin into the manufacturing of new products.
The report - a Life Cycle Inventory Analysis conducted by leading industry research consultants Franklin Associates, a division of ERG - analyzed the energy requirements and environmental impacts of postconsumer recycled plastic resin as compared to virgin plastic resin.
“This study shows a win-win for companies who incorporate recycled plastic resin into their new products. They can improve the environmental sustainability of their products and processes and reduce their energy costs,” said Steve Alexander, President of APR. “It demonstrates the importance and effectiveness of the full recycling chain for plastic goods - a chain that starts with companies manufacturing recyclable products, and ends with consumers buying products made from recycled materials.”
The report examined recycling processes for three of the most common types of plastic material recycled today: polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and polypropylene (PP).
According to the report, using recycled plastic reduced total energy consumption by
• 79% for PET
• 88% for HDPE
• 88% for PP
At the same time, using recycled plastic limited emissions by
• 67% for PET
• 71% for HDPE
• 71% for PP
“This report clearly demonstrates the benefits of a renewed commitment to plastic recycling,” stated Jamie Camara, CEO of PetStar and chair of The APR Board of Directors. “It is critical that North America continues to invest in our recycling infrastructure so that we can expand the material that is collected, sorted, and processed for second use. Recycling and using recycled materials are good for manufacturers, consumers, and the planet.”
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Click here to read the report.
Click here for a PDF of this press release.
Contacts:
Caitlin Sickles
202-828-7637
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Kara Pochiro
APR VP of Communications & Public Affairs
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The Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) is The Voice of Plastics Recycling®. As the international trade association representing the plastics recycling industry, membership includes independent recycling companies of all sizes, processing numerous resins, as well as consumer product companies, equipment manufacturers, testing laboratories, organizations, and others committed to the success of plastics recycling. APR advocates the recycling of all plastics.
