APR’s new PCR certification across plastic packaging supply chain strengthens recycled content claims

USA – The Association of Plastic Recyclers has expanded its PCR Certification Program from pellet and flake producers to include manufacturers, brand owners, and traders, enabling independent verification of recycled content in finished and semi-finished plastic packaging products.

The North American non-profit’s new producer standard, built on ISO chain-of-custody and traceability requirements, provides a rigorous third-party verification method for companies incorporating post-consumer recycled plastics at reported levels. 

The program expansion, which aligns with RecyClass’s Recycled Plastics Traceability Certification standard, allows businesses to validate recycled-content claims while supporting global harmonization for multinational companies. 

Certification and Directory Build Trust in Recycled Content Claims

Certified companies will be listed in the APR Certified PCR Directory, creating a reliable resource for businesses seeking products and packaging made with certified recycled content. 

Rita Phillip, APR PCR Certification program director, stated that expanding the program to include producers and supply chain participants strengthens confidence in recycled content claims and supports the growing demand for transparency and accountability. 

Steve Alexander, APR president and CEO, noted that because recycled content cannot be visually distinguished from virgin plastic, third-party certification is essential for verifying claims and helping companies reduce plastic waste and decrease reliance on virgin materials. 

The program was developed in coordination with RecyClass to ensure global harmonization and efficient processing for multinational companies, with multi-site certification now available under a single corporate certificate.

Mexico Collaboration and North American Circular Economy Alignment

In May 2026, APR and Mexico’s National Association of Plastics Industries (ANIPAC) signed a collaboration agreement to strengthen plastics recyclability and promote international design-for-recycling guidelines across the region. 

The alliance seeks to establish technical and strategic cooperation across the entire plastics value chain, from packaging and product design to material recovery and reintegration into the market. 

The agreement positions Mexico within global recyclability trends by facilitating international alignment of criteria and strengthening the technical capabilities of the sector. 

For ANIPAC, this collaboration reinforces its role as a key coordinator of Mexico’s plastics value chain by promoting solutions based on innovation, technical evidence and international cooperation. 

The partnership supports the growing demand for recycled content verification and accountability across North American packaging supply chains.

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