ReMA, APR update recycled plastic specifications

The Recycled Materials Association (ReMA) and the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR), both based in Washington, recently released updates to ReMA’s ISRI Specifications and the APR Model Bale Specifications. The organizations say that after a “collaborative development process,” the specifications were approved by both of their boards of directors.

Revised recycled plastic specifications include:

• high-density polyethylene (HDPE) natural bottles;
• HDPE color bottles and select containers;
• HDPE injection bulky rigid plastics;
• polyethylene (PE) clear film (Grade A);
• PE clear film (Grade B);
• PE color film; and
• PE furniture mix film

The organizations say their 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 material recovery facility (MRF) acceptance lists. They say that periodic updates are published as needed to reflect changes in the postconsumer product and packaging mix, design for recyclability for packaging and packaging innovations, reclaimer technologies and end markets for recycled resins.

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“We are looking to capture as much recyclable HDPE as possible from the recycling stream, while ensuring our PCR [postconsumer resin] material quality and yields,” says Scott Saunders, general manager of Troy, Alabama-based KW Plastics and board member of both APR and ReMA. “The 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.”

ReMA and the APR say that 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.

“We 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,” APR President and CEO Steve Alexander says. “Serving as an essential resource for buyers and sellers, they enable consistency and quality in recycled plastic markets.”

With the integration of advanced technologies like optical sorting, robotics and artificial intelligence (AI), for example, the organizations say the recycling industry utilizes powerful tools to sort and monitor collected plastics. However, they point out that consistent improvements in recycled material quality, yield and end markets require up-to-date bale specifications and packaging that is designed for recyclability.

ReMA and the APR say they remain committed to collaborative efforts to support the consistency and integrity of recycled plastics markets.

“Technology and innovation are constantly transforming the recycled materials stream,” ReMA President Robin Wiener says. “ReMA’s 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.”