The Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) has broadened the scope of its PCR (post-consumer recycled) Certification Programme.
The framework had previously focused on certifying PCR material produced by recyclers in pellet or flake form.
It will now certify the presence and verify the percentage of PCR content in finished and semi-finished plastics products, the Washington-based nonprofit said.
The new producer standard is based on ISO chain-of-custody and traceability requirements, which reportedly provides a robust process to verify that companies are using recycled plastics in the amounts they claim.
Certified firms will be listed in the APR Certified PCR Directory.
‘Growing demand for transparency’
“Expanding APR PCR Certification to include producers and supply chain participants strengthens confidence in recycled content claims and supports the growing demand for transparency and accountability,” said Rita Phillip, programme director for APR PCR certification.
“This programme helps ensure that companies claiming to use recycled plastics can substantiate those claims with independent, third-party verification.”
Steve Alexander, APR president and chief executive, said: “Making new products from PCR plastics – plastics packaging commonly recycled by households and businesses – is one of the most effective ways to reduce plastics waste and decrease reliance on virgin plastics.
“Because recycled content cannot be visually distinguished from virgin plastics, third-party certification is essential for verifying recycled-content claims.”
The news comes a month after the APR and the National Association of Plastics Industries in Mexico signed an agreement to strengthen plastics recyclability in Mexico.
