USA – Berlin Packaging, has partnered with the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) on a sample bottle program to help it in the design and testing of a recyclable polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottle.
The program aims to assist in the design and testing of recyclable polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic packaging.
Berlin Packaging, a provider of hybrid packaging solutions, is a member of the APR.
Under the partnership, Berlin now offers small quantities of specific PET bottles required to conduct PET recyclability test protocols at third-party testing labs to receive APR Design for Recyclability recognition.
The APR Design Guide for Plastics Recyclability has been developed by the packaging firm to assist companies in designing packaging that is recyclable and can be transformed into post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic resin.
Third-party validation is required to attain APR Design for Recyclability recognition, which confirms that a package or packaging component’s design is compatible with the North American recycling system.
“This is done by confirming that the item has met the highest criteria for recyclability according to the APR Design Guide,” Berlin Packaging explains.
From its inventory, Berlin supplies 16-ounce “natural” Boston-style round bottles made of B90A PET resin, which the company refers to as an APR Preferred PET base resin.
“Clear PET bottles made from a known virgin resin are required to conduct APR test protocols,” says John Standish, a technical consultant with the Washington-based APR.
“Sourcing the test bottles, perhaps 20 to 100 units per test variable, can be a challenge for some companies, who may be experts in labels or adhesives, but not in PET bottles,” explains Standish.
“Finding the right bottles can be expensive, with long lead times,” he continues. “Our partnership with Berlin helps overcome this challenge and facilitates the process of securing PET test bottles for companies seeking APR Design Recognition.”
Balaji Jayaseelan, Berlin’s Vice President of Sustainability, added, “We are committed to leading the future of sustainable packaging. Our mission is to promote a sustainability culture along our entire value chain, from suppliers and customers to local communities where we operate, and allied organizations.
“Berlin’s partnership with APR builds upon our mission and expands our collaborations with organizations that share our commitment to sustainability.”
