APR adds near-infrared sortable dark color concentrates to Meets Preferred Guidance Program

The Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR), Washington, has announced that near-infrared (NIR) sortable dark color concentrates are now eligible for the Meets Preferred Guidance (MPG) Program. The program recognizes materials, packaging components and complete packages composed of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene and polyethylene film that are considered Preferred according to the APR Design Guide for Plastics Recyclability.

“Dark-colored plastics have historically been landfilled because the concentrates used to make the color absorb light in the NIR spectrum, which the optical sorters need to identify and sort the package,” says Curt Cozart, chief operating officer at the APR. “NIR-sortable dark color concentrates allow these packages to be recovered because they don’t absorb this light. This is extremely impactful in a time where the industry needs more supply.”

The APR says its MPG Program also offers a more streamlined online submission process designed to clarify submission requirements, facilitate the transmittal of data and provide better tracking. This updated submission process allows the next candidates to be rolled out more quickly. Upcoming candidate products include:

• film labels fixed to a PET container with an adhesive;
• film labels and direct-print labels that do not employ an adhesive;
• hot caustic-resistant and washable inks for labels for PET packaging;
• closures affixed to PET packages;
• closures affixed to HDPE packages;
• PET base resin; and
• HDPE base resin.

“The MPG Review Program provides confidence for purchasing and procurement personnel that what they are purchasing is designed for recyclability,” says Steve Alexander, president and CEO of APR.  “We commend these manufacturers for stepping up to the plate to develop new products that are compatible with recycling infrastructure and look forward to announcing continued expansion of eligible products.”