The Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) and the Recycled Materials Association (ReMA) have released the latest updates to the APR Model Bale Specifications and ReMA鈥檚 ISRI Specifications. Following a collaborative development process between the two organizations and their members, the specifications were approved by both the APR Board of Directors and the ReMA Board of Directors.
Revised Recycled Plastic Specifications:
APR鈥檚 Model Bale Specifications and ReMA鈥檚 ISRI Specifications serve as reference tools detailing accepted materials and contaminants to facilitate communication between buyers and sellers of recycled plastic commodities and are not intended to replace individual agreements or MRF material acceptance lists. Periodic updates are published as needed to reflect changes in the post-consumer product and packaging mix,聽design for recyclability for packaging and packaging innovations, reclaimer technologies, and end markets for recycled resins.
鈥淲e are looking to capture as much recyclable HDPE as possible from the recycling stream, while ensuring our PCR material quality and yields,鈥� said Scott Saunders, KW Plastics General Manager and member of both APR and ReMA Board of Directors. 鈥淭he updates to the HDPE model specifications balance this, confirming what bottles and containers can be commonly accepted in North American bales today and also include agreed revisions to the bale contaminant listings.鈥�
While contamination remains a critical issue for reclaimers, model specifications clearly convey contaminants that are tolerable at low levels, as well as those that are prohibited because they are difficult or dangerous for reclaimers to manage.
鈥淲e are pleased to continue collaborative efforts with ReMA to ensure model bale specifications are aligned with current North American reclaimer practice and the latest developments in design for recyclability,鈥� said Steve Alexander, APR President & CEO. 鈥淪erving as an essential resource for buyers and sellers, they enable consistency and quality in recycled plastic markets.鈥�
With the integration of advanced technologies like optical sorting, robotics, and artificial intelligence, the recycling industry utilizes powerful tools to sort and monitor plastics collected for recycling. However, consistent improvements in recycled material quality, yield, and end markets require up-to-date bale specifications and packaging that is designed for recyclability.聽 APR and ReMA remain committed to collaborative efforts to support the consistency and integrity of recycled plastics markets.
鈥淭echnology and innovation are constantly transforming the recycled materials聽stream,鈥� said ReMA President Robin Wiener. 鈥淩eMA鈥檚 ISRI Specifications are not only internationally recognized, but also essential for facilitating domestic trade for all recycled materials. We are proud to collaborate with APR on these important plastic specification updates.鈥�