APR seeks nominations for third annual Plastics Recycling Showcase

The APR Plastics Recycling Showcase, a program designed to highlight and promote industry innovations that have a positive effect on plastics collection and recycling, is accepting nominations. The nomination deadline is Oct. 26, 2017. 

Developed by the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR), Washington, the third annual program focuses on recently commercialized innovations, as well as on community engagement programs developed by APR member companies. 

As a leading international trade association representing the plastics recycling industry, APR says it works to provide technical expertise, leadership for long-term industry growth and to commend innovations supporting that growth.  

“This program was created to encourage innovators to address technical challenges facing plastic recyclers,” says John Standish, APR technical director. “We recognize that innovation drives the growth of recycling and is essential to the success of the plastics recycling industry.” 

Possible candidates may include the following types of recently commercialized technology or programs:

• packaging products;
• processing equipment;
• recycling process step improvement;
• bale capability;
• collection or supply capability for postconsumer plastics;
• postconsumer resin (PCR) products, products with high PCR content or new applications of PCR;
• community education programs;
• demonstration programs within communities to identify new approaches to collection or materials processing; and
• studies and reports that benchmark today’s capabilities and identify best practices or improvement opportunities.

Showcase recipients are selected by a committee comprised of APR members representing a variety of roles within the value chain. The selected innovators will be recognized during The APR Technical Forum, held in conjunction with the Plastics Recycling Conference, Feb. 19, 2018, in Nashville, Tennessee. Showcase innovations will be displayed at the APR booth during the 2018 Plastic Recycling Conference and during other trade shows throughout the year. They also will be featured on the APR website and in an APR Educational Web Seminar.

The APR says it thanks the 2017 Innovators for their commitment to the growth of plastics recycling (click the links below for additional information): 

• de-labeler for PET bottle wash lines from AMUT;
• CleanFlake adhesive technology from Avery Dennison;
• laminate postconsumer resin Tube from Berry Plastics;
• Retain novel polymer modifiers from The Dow Chemical Co.;
• ECO continuous melt filter for PET extrusion from Ettlinger; and
• The Lush Black Pot: the first FDA PP PCR and rigid packaging application for cosmetics developed by KW Plastics.

Click here for additional information and the nomination form.