The new APR PCR certification programme created by the Association of Plastics Recyclers (APR) in the US has seen much faster acceptance in the marketplace than anticipated, the association has announced.
The programme, which was introduced late March, is the first industry programme to certify postconsumer resin (PCR) for use in packaging.
Both APR member companies that manufacture certified PCR, as well as APR endorsed companies that provide third party certification of PCR have contributed to to the success of the effort.
The programme offers companies transparency and certainty regarding the origins of the materials they use.
“As oil prices continue to plunge, we have seen virgin plastics being fraudulently sold as PCR,” said Steve Alexander, APR President & CEO. “Consumer Brand Companies looking to fulfil publicly stated sustainability commitments can feel confident that APR's PCR certification program adheres to a clear, consistent definition of PCR.”
“The success of plastic recycling relies on consistent demand for PCR from brand companies and manufacturers,” added Jaime Camara, CEO of PetStar and Chair of the APR Board of Directors.
Current APR members that manufacture certified PCR are Avangard Innovative, LP; EFS-Plastics Inc.; Envision Plastics; Merlin Plastics; Revolution; and Trigon Plastics. APR recognizes it is essential that PCR certification be reliable, consistent, and accessible by both producers and users of recycled plastic resins.
The current list of APR endorsed certifiers includes AM Testing & Services, Inc.; Green Circle Certified, LLC; SCS Global Services; and UL Verification Services Inc. This endorsement program fully aligns with APR’s primary goals of increasing supply and demand, while also enhancing the quality and communicating the value of recycled plastics.
“Recycling and using recycled content are the key ingredients to circularity, vital to best serving consumers, and creating a more sustainable, less wasteful world,” concluded Camara.