Press Release: APR Updates Formal Position and Recyclability Category for Degradable Additives

Published on September 18, 2024

Protecting the quality and yield of post-consumer recycled plastics

The Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) recently announced updates to the recyclability category and
formal position for Degradable Additives, Nutrients, and Supplements. Based on APR’s definition of
recyclable
, they are now included in the “RENDERS THE PACKAGE NON-RECYCLABLE” category in the APR
Design® Guide for Plastics Recyclability
leading to APR’s formal position to state they are not recyclable.


According to the APR Design® Guide, a package design feature “RENDERS THE PACKAGE NONRECYCLABLE”
if the majority of Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) or reclaimers cannot remove these
features to the degree required to generate a marketable end product. A package including Degradable
Additives, Nutrients, or Supplements cannot be detected using commercially available technologies and will
affect both the quality and yield of post-consumer recycled resin (PCR) when they perform as designed. An
item, package or film that contains any design feature that is considered non-recyclable renders the entire
item, package or film Not Recyclable.


“This change in categorization is based on research and reports published by independent research groups
and better aligns APR with other NGOs in the recycling and circularity space as well as international
manufacturers and retailers,” said Steve Alexander, APR President & CEO. “This update clearly reflects APR’s
mission to improve all aspects of the plastics recycling process and protects the quality and yield of the PCR
stream.”


The “RENDERS THE PACKAGE NON-RECYCLABLE” categorization includes degradable and biodegradable
materials that are not certified compostable, including, but not limited to, bio-assimilating, oxo-degradable,
oxo-biodegradable, enzymatic, anaerobic, and photodegradable materials used in plastic packaging and film
to accelerate (bio)degradation.


“The latest updates to the APR Design® Guide are a positive move toward global harmonization of recyclability
principles. Aligning recommendations on different packaging features, especially those with negative impact
for recycling, is essential for boosting wide-spread, circular innovation of plastic materials,” commented Paolo
Glerean, Chairman of RecyClass.


Degradable additives may present technical challenges for the mechanical recycling process and future uses
of products produced from that process. It is possible that the integrity and/or useful life of plastic packaging
or durable products made from recycled resins that contain these additives could be compromised.

“We applaud APR’s decision to categorize degradable additives as “RENDERS THE PACKAGE NONRECYCLABLE.”
As noted by APR, there is a clear consensus from the broader environmental and packaging
communities that degradable additives are expected to negatively affect plastic recycling. At Berry Global,
we believe the most effective solution to address plastic waste is to create a circular economy for plastics by
designing products for recycling and reuse, incorporating recycled content, and investing in recycling and
waste management infrastructure,” added Rob Flores, Vice President of Sustainability at Berry Global.


“As we continue to move toward a circular economy, it’s essential that we carefully consider the impact of all
packaging materials on the recycling process. APR’s updated position on degradable additives is aligned with
the U.S. Plastics Pact’s Problematic and Unnecessary Materials List and offers important guidance to help
ensure the quality of recycled plastics. We support efforts that bring clarity to the recyclability of materials,
helping to inform decisions that benefit both the industry and the environment,” said Jonathan Quinn, CEO of
U.S. Plastics Pact.


Encouraging the recycling of containers that include degradable additives may be contrary to the goals of the
recycling process for plastics. APR cautions companies to carefully review the Federal Trade Commission
Green Guides, as well as US state laws and European directives, when considering whether to label these
traditionally recycled plastic containers as both degradable and recyclable.


Contact:
Kara Pochiro
APR VP of Communications & Public Affairs
[email protected]

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Founded over 30 years ago by mechanical recyclers, the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) is an international non-profit and the only North American organization focused exclusively on improving recycling for plastics. APR’s tools and resources help companies design packaging that can be recycled, support innovations that overcome existing recycling challenges, and encourage stable and reliable markets for postconsumer recycled content. Visit plasticsrecycling.org for more information.