How Recycling Works

Why Recycling Is Important

The Zero Waste Hierarchy

The Plastic Recycling Process

How Recycling Works

Recycling keeps billions of pounds of plastic out of oceans and landfills every year. Learn how the recycling process works within a larger system of solutions to tackle plastic waste, protect the environment, strengthen the economy, and build a more sustainable world.

How Recycling Works

Recycling keeps billions of pounds of plastic out of oceans and landfills every year. Learn how the recycling process works within a larger system of solutions to tackle plastic waste, protect the environment, strengthen the economy, and build a more sustainable world.

How Recycling Works

Recycling keeps billions of pounds of plastic out of oceans and landfills every year. Learn how the recycling process works within a larger system of solutions to tackle plastic waste, protect the environment, strengthen the economy, and build a more sustainable world.
APR Design Hub

APR Design® Guide

APR Global Compliance Catalog

APR Design® Recognition

APR Design® Recognition Directory

Testing Protocols & Labs

APR Design® Training

Report a Problem Container

APR PCR Certification

APR Design® Guide

APR Design® Guide Overview
New to the APR Design® Guide or need a refresher? Understand why and how to use this essential tool and find helpful companion resources such as APR Testing Protocols.

Digital Tool Training
For a limited time, APR will offer an on-demand, virtual training session for companies.

PET Rigid Guidance
Commonly blown into a bottle or formed into a sheet, PET is known for its clarity and natural CO₂ barrier properties.

HDPE Rigid (Colored) Guidance
Easily processed into a bottle, canister, pail, tub, squeeze tube, or closure, HDPE is known for its toughness, natural UV barrier properties, and chemical resistance.

HDPE Rigid (Natural) Guidance
In its natural state, HDPE appears a milky white color. Natural HDPE is separated from colored HDPE using NIR color sortation technology.

PP Rigid Guidance
PP is versatile and easily injection molded, blow molded or thermoformed into a bottle, canister, pail, squeeze tube, tray, tub, or closure.

PE Flexible Guidance
PE flexible packaging structures include bags, pouches, envelopes, sachets, removable lidding/liners, and wraps, with films including PE of various densities.

APR Global Compliance Catalog

Country Pages
A consolidation of the most current plastic packaging recyclability guidelines for different countries and regions around the world (login required.)

Compare Countries and Regions by Resin
Compare recommendations for designing plastic packaging from one country or region to the next around the globe (login required.)

APR Design® Recognition

Preferred Design Recognition
Formerly Meets Preferred Guidance, this path recognizes components or complete packages that are listed as Preferred in the APR Design® Guide.

Critical Guidance Recognition
If your component design falls outside of the Preferred category, follow this path if you can achieve lab-scale testing and review as specified in the APR Design® Guide.

Responsible Innovation Recognition
If your component cannot be evaluated by lab-scale testing, this path allows alternate testing and review as specified by the APR Design® Guide.

APR Recycling Leadership Awards
The inaugural APR Recycling Leadership Awards celebrate outstanding achievements to improve plastics recyclability.

APR Design Hub

In a circular economy, plastic packaging and products are designed to be compatible with the recycling system, reduce contamination, and enhance the stream of postconsumer resin (PCR) – which is then put back into new products. We call it Circular By Design™, and it all starts here.

Testing Protocols & Labs

APR Testing Protocols
APR provides a library of peer-reviewed, technically rigorous test protocols that are used to evaluate and determine package design features with an unknown impact on recyclability.

APR-Recommended Testing Facilities
Find consultants and laboratories who have the necessary equipment and expertise to conduct the APR Testing Protocols.

Sorting Potential Test Protocols
APR’s Testing Protocol Library includes the Sorting Potential Test Methods, an essential set of protocols that assess how package design affects sortation.

APR Design® Training

Full Day Training
Our most popular session, an engaging and insightful customized training designed to meet the needs of your team.

Express Training
Choose an on-site or virtual training that features a customized, albeit abbreviated, opportunity for your team to get expert advice on packaging design.

Two-Day Training & Tours
Get the best of both worlds—detailed classroom learning combined with live recycling facility tours—alongside other brands and packaging designers.

APR Design Hub

In a circular economy, plastic packaging and products are designed to be compatible with the recycling system, reduce contamination, and enhance the stream of postconsumer resin (PCR) – which is then put back into new products. We call it Circular By Design™, and it all starts here.

APR Design Hub

In a circular economy, plastic packaging and products are designed to be compatible with the recycling system, reduce contamination, and enhance the stream of postconsumer resin (PCR) – which is then put back into new products. We call it Circular By Design™, and it all starts here.
Tools & Resources

APR Tools

Informational Resources

Policy Hub

Recycler Resources

APR Design® Guide

APR PCR Certification

APR Design® Recognition

APR Tools

APR Design® Guide
Ensure your packaging is designed for recyclability with the globally recognized APR Design® Guide.

APR Global Compliance Catalog
Review the latest plastic packaging recyclability guidelines from around the world.

APR Design® Recognition
Get recognized for your recyclable packaging or review the list of APR-recognized solutions.

APR Design® Training
Let APR demystify the recycling process and help your teams design better packaging.

APR PCR Certification
Get your PCR certified to build credibility and prepare for new requirements, or review the APR list of certified PCR vendors.

Buyers & Sellers Directory
Explore the materials and services APR members purchase and sell.

Model Bale Specifications
Discover APR Model Bale Specifications for industry-standard guidelines that enhance bale quality, communication, and market acceptance in recycling.

APR Demand Champions
Learn about our program to encourage the use of recycled plastic over virgin resin.

Informational Resources

How Recycling Works
Learn how the recycling process works within a larger system of solutions to tackle plastic waste, protect the environment, strengthen the economy, and build a more sustainable world.

Recyclability Definition & Categories
Get the details on what it takes for plastic to be considered recyclable.

Academic Library
Explore a compilation of research papers and resources from academic institutions on the topic of plastics recycling.

APR Blog
Read about the latest issues, trends, announcements, and more in the world of plastics recycling.

APR Webinars
Join our free events to boost your knowledge, learn from leaders and get the scoop on recycling tools and resources.

APR Podcast
Host Kara Pochiro interviews recycling and packaging experts to explore new ideas, trends, and opportunities for recycling.

Policy Hub
Learn how and why APR engages in policy, as well as our policy priorities.

Frequently Asked Questions
Explore commonly sought information about APR programs and membership.

Policy Hub

Policy Updates for Members
Stay informed about the most recent activity in recycling policy across the states and around the world (login required.)

Policy Priorities
The most critical policies to accelerate the growth of plastics recycling.

Position Statements
Read APR’s policy and position statements on a variety of topics, representing the best interests of the plastics recycling industry.

Advocacy Resources
Explore the latest educational materials and engage with the latest policy developments in the plastics recycling industry.

Recycler Resources

Report a Problem Container
Notify APR of problem containers to reduce contamination in the plastic recycling stream.

Model Bale Specifications
Discover APR Model Bale Specifications for industry-standard guidelines that enhance bale quality, communication, and market acceptance in recycling.

Buyers & Sellers Directory
Explore the wide variety of materials and services APR members purchase and sell.

Get APR PCR Certification
Get your PCR certified to build credibility and prepare for new requirements, or review the APR list of certified PCR vendors.

Tools & Resources

Explore APR’s plastics recycling resources including the APR Design® guidance, recycling facts, policy updates, and more.

Tools & Resources

Explore APR’s plastics recycling resources including the APR Design® guidance, recycling facts, policy updates, and more.

Tools & Resources

Explore APR’s plastics recycling resources including the APR Design® guidance, recycling facts, policy updates, and more.
About APR

Meet the Team

Our Impact

Become A Member

Member Hub

APR Committee Work

Upcoming Events

In the News

About APR

Founded over 30 years ago by mechanical recyclers, APR is an international non-profit and the only North American organization focused exclusively on improving recycling for plastics.

About APR

Founded over 30 years ago by mechanical recyclers, APR is an international non-profit and the only North American organization focused exclusively on improving recycling for plastics.

About APR

Founded over 30 years ago by mechanical recyclers, APR is an international non-profit and the only North American organization focused exclusively on improving recycling for plastics.

Member Hub

Utilizing Your Member Benefits
See where you can find all of APR’s members-only content and opportunities.

Navigating Your APR Membership
Learn how to access and manage your membership in the APR Member Hub.

Manage My Membership
View and update your APR member profile (member login required).

Member Directory
Find and connect with APR members (member login required).

Member Meetings
See upcoming gatherings of APR members across the value chain.

APR Committee Work

Films Technical Committee
Works to boost film recovery and markets, spreading the message that plastic film is recyclable regardless of the specific collection scheme.

Olefins Technical Committee
Develops and maintains design guidance, test protocols, APR Design® Recognition criteria, and model bale specifications for rigid olefin packaging.

PET Technical Committee
Responsible for rigid PET packaging APR Design® Guidance, test methods, and educational materials.

Communications and Public Affairs Committee
Supports APR as The Voice of Plastics Recycling® with the ultimate goal of increasing quality supply and demand through communication, education, and policy.

Market Development Committee
Promotes understanding of post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic resin markets and develops targeted programs to support them.

About APR

Founded over 30 years ago by mechanical recyclers, APR is an international non-profit and the only North American organization focused exclusively on improving recycling for plastics.

In the News

News Articles

Press Releases

APR Press Release: APR Announces Plastics Recycling Educational Webinars

Published on April 19, 2023

Communicating the Facts About Plastics Recycling

The Association of Plastics Recyclers (APR) today announced a series of educational webinars to empower action across the plastics value chain that will contribute to the success of plastics recycling. As The Voice of Plastics Recycling®, APR works to counteract the rising tide of misinformation and skepticism about plastics recycling through fostering rational, fact-based dialogue that communicates the value of recycled plastics.

Each webinar will be held at 2:00 pm Eastern Time covering the following topics:

Wednesday, April 26^th – Continued Expansion of APR’s MPG Recognition Program: Creating Packaging That is Circular by Design®
Wednesday, May 31^st – Plastics Recycling Myth Busters: Promoting Fact Based Information From Industry Experts
Wednesday June 21^st – Boosting Demand for Recycled Plastics: Diverse Applications for PCR and the Myth of “Downcycling”

“Our industry continues to experience significant developments, progress, and challenges,” said Steve Alexander, APR President & CEO. “APR’s core priorities are increasing supply, enhancing the quality, expanding the demand, and communicating the value of recycled plastics. These webinars highlight the knowledge and expertise needed to focus on solutions and facts that will contribute to the growth of plastics recycling.”

Complete session descriptions, presenters, and registration links are available on the APR website.

Contact:

Kara Pochiro,
APR Communications Director
Kara@PlasticsRecycling.org

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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. Visit www.PlasticsRecyling.org for more information.