APR Launches Digital Tool to Assess Plastic Packaging Recyclability

According to industry reports, the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) has launched the APR Design® Assessment Tool powered by Recyda, a digital platform designed to help companies evaluate the recyclability of plastic packaging and packaging portfolios. Early access is currently available exclusively to APR members, with public availability expected in late September 2026.

Developed in partnership with sustainable packaging software provider Recyda, the tool is based on the APR Design® Guide for Plastics Recyclability, which has served as a reference for designing plastic packaging compatible with the North American recycling system for more than 30 years.

The platform digitizes the assessment process by guiding users through packaging material and design evaluations. It identifies missing information, flags potential design issues, suggests improvements and assigns an APR Design® classification: Preferred Design for Recycling, Tolerated but Needs Improvement, Non-Recyclable or Requires Testing.

The tool also evaluates whether plastic packaging designs meet the requirements of California’s SB 343 labeling law, which requires products using recycling-related claims to align with APR Design® Guide criteria.

“For over 30 years, the APR Design® Guide has helped shape recyclable packaging across North America,” said Steve Alexander, President and CEO of APR. “By automating the assessment process based on this trusted guidance, we’re making it easier for companies to design packaging that meets the needs of today’s recycling system while preparing for tomorrow’s regulatory requirements.”

The launch comes as packaging producers face increasing requirements from Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations and recyclability labeling rules across North America. The APR Design® Guide is referenced in several U.S. state regulations, including California’s SB 54 and SB 343, and is also used as a basis for certain EPR fee structures in Canada.

APR said the digital platform is intended to help companies improve packaging design decisions, reduce uncertainty during recyclability evaluations and prepare documentation for emerging regulatory requirements.

The APR Design® Assessment Tool is offered through three subscription levels designed for companies of different sizes. The organization said the platform will support broader adoption of recyclability-focused packaging design as regulatory frameworks continue to develop.

Source: The Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR)

SUNSHINE Spotlight: APR’s new digital assessment platform brings standardized recyclability evaluation into a software-based workflow as packaging regulations tighten across North America.