APR publishes polypropylene bale specs

Association says specifications are designed to reduce contamination, one of the biggest issues facing recyclers.

The Association of Postconsumer Plastic Recyclers (APR), Washington, has published a list of model bale specification for polypropylene (PP) containers.

Scott Saunders, chairman of the APR and general manager of KW Plastics, a Troy, Alabama-based plastics recycling firm, says, “Historically, bale specifications have focused on PET (polyethylene terephthalate) and HDPE (high-density polyethylene) containers. The efforts of APR’s rigids program over the past four years have helped create a supply of polypropylene recycled content material available for the marketplace.”

Saunders adds, “This bale specification is recognition that the market has matured to the level where a specification is needed.”

“This is a big step forward in plastics recycling,” says Steve Alexander, APR executive director. “The effort to expand the recycling of containers beyond PET and HDPE has evolved to the point where polypropylene PCR is rapidly approaching critical mass. As the industry that recycles plastic, it is important we help the marketplace understand what constitutes the most optimal bale composition for the material.”

The goal of the bale specifications is to provide guidance to the plastics industry. The APR notes that the specifications are designed to reduce contamination, one of the biggest issues facing recyclers. The specifications guide also seeks to provide MRF (material recovery facility) operators with a guideline as to what bale composition provides the highest value in the marketplace.

“The specifications are designed to inform MRF operators that bales adhering to these specifications are the most valuable to reclaimers,” says Steve Sikra, Procter & Gamble section head and chairman of APR’s Rigids Committee, which developed the specifications. “MRFs, reclaimers and end users will benefit when contamination is reduced," he adds.

To view the bale specifications, visit www.plasticsrecycling.org/market-development/model-bale-specs. The association says it will continue to develop specifications as the markets evolve.

 
 
 

Get curated news on YOUR industry.

Enter your email to receive our newsletters.