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Position Statements

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

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APR develops policy and position statements on a variety of topics representing the best interests of the plastics recycling industry. Formally approved by the APR Board of Directors, these positions guide APR’s engagement in policy across the states and around the world. They are based on our long-term goals to expand access to recycling, optimize package design for recyclability, strengthen the demand for recycled plastics, and provide accessible resources to help decision makers understand the value of plastics recycling.

APR supports innovation in new materials and has recognized the use of bio-based non-conventional plastics in certain packaging applications.

APR Position: Biopolymer Use in Plastic Packaging

The APR supports the opportunity to accelerate the plastics circular economy, and reduce dependency on non-renewable resources, through the intersection of mechanical and chemical recycling technologies. Design for recycling is, and will continue to be, essential for a circular economy. Chemical recycling should not result in packaging manufacturers disregarding design for recycling guidelines. Chemical recycling has the potential to expand opportunities for recycling of materials that are not recycled by mechanical processes today.

APR Position: Chemical Recycling

The APR recognizes that degradable additives that weaken products or packaging, or shorten the useful life of durable plastics have a strongly negative impact on postconsumer plastics recycling.

APR Position: Degradable Additives Use in Bottles, Forms, and Films

The APR supports legislation to ban postconsumer plastic bottles from being landfilled.

APR Position: Landfill Bans

APR supports a mass balance and/or corporate averaging methodology for resin manufacturers that produce recycled content resin in a chemical recycling system in which materials are not segregated by material type.

APR Position: Mass Balance for Postconsumer Resin (PCR)

The APR supports mandatory postconsumer recycled content legislation.

APR Position: Postconsumer Recycled Content

The APR supports deposit collection programs, including non-carbonated beverage bottles such as used water and juice containers.

APR Position: State Bottle Deposit Laws