The Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) and Recyclass have published an updated progress report on their collaboration.

The aim of their cooperation is said to accelerate the global harmonisation of the recyclability of plastics. Together, the two organisations aim to strengthen global Design for Recycling, support innovation and develop practical solutions that bring the plastics value chain closer to a circular economy. According to the information provided, the updates in their third progress report concern the alignment with design guidelines for natural-coloured polypropylene (PP), the agreement between Recyclass and APR on barrier layers intended to be fully compatible with the recycling of polyethylene (PE) films, and the alignment of the definition of blue tints in polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
 
In 2025, APR and Recyclass reportedly carried out extensive testing campaigns in close collaboration. According to APR and Recyclass, test data and results were jointly exchanged and evaluated, and relevant findings were adopted by the technical committees of each organisation. In future, APR and RecyClass intend to collaborate on further testing campaigns aimed at further strengthening design-for-recycling guidelines across various packaging formats. The organisations’ goal is to improve global harmonisation, increase consistency in recycling standards and support the development of packaging solutions that can be recycled more effectively worldwide.
 
Paolo Glerean, Chairman of RecyClass, explains the collaboration with APR: “In an environment of constantly evolving regulatory requirements, global harmonisation is essential to ensure that recycling claims are robust, consistent and credible across markets.” The collaboration with APR would enable a focus on scientific evidence, reduces discrepancies in recycling assessments and provides clearer guidelines for the entire plastics value chain.
 
Further information: Download the progress report
 
Sources:

• APR press release (12.5.2026)
• Image: © APR