APR Releases Improved PCR Certification Program
The seal of approval is reportedly straightforward, streamlined and aligned with international standards, as well as anticipated domestic requirements
The Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) recently announced significant upgrades and improvements to the APR PCR Certification Program. Responding to the growing demand for more accountability in recycling from government regulators, brand companies and in the broader media, APR’s updated program stands out among others in the industry for being straightforward, streamlined, aligned with international standards, as well as anticipated domestic requirements such as California and Oregon EPR legislation.
APR PCR Certification is a third-party independent assessment and verification that recycled content (plastic pellets or flake) originates from post-consumer sources such as the plastic packaging commonly recycled by US households. APR’s program prepares recyclers and brand companies for upcoming regulatory changes and establishes best in class performance standards for leading companies. Since its launch in 2021, APR PCR Certification has been awarded to more than 35 plastic recyclers, covering an estimated 30% or more of the post-consumer PET, PP, HDPE and LDPE/LLDPE produced in North America. The program improvements will help expand its reach and bring more stability to the PCR market.
Based on ISO Chain-of-Custody and Traceability standards, including requirements for elements of management systems to be in place and traceability through sales of product, the program covers all major types of plastic resin and can be used in any application of recycled content. The standard was written in coordination with RecyClass’s Audit Scheme for Recycled Plastics Traceability and associated modules to provide needed global harmonization and more efficient processing for multinational companies. The updated program will be more efficient for multi-site companies, allowing for multi-site certification under one “corporate” certificate.
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