Under the collaboration, Berlin Packaging will provide small quantities of specific PET bottles essential for conducting PET recyclability test protocols at third-party testing facilities to facilitate the achievement of APR's Design for Recyclability Recognition
Berlin Packaging Partners with APR to provide PET bottles for recycling tests. (Credit: Berlin Packaging)
Hybrid packaging supplier Berlin Packaging has forged a partnership with US-based Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) to offer the latter PET bottles for recycling tests.
The supplied bottles will be used for a sample bottle programme to facilitate the design and assessment of recyclable PET plastic packaging.
As part of the partnership, Berlin Packaging will offer limited quantities of particular PET bottles necessary for conducting PET recyclability test protocols at third-party testing laboratories to attain APR’s Design for Recyclability Recognition.
The US-based hybrid packaging supplier is also an APR member.
Berlin Packaging, from its existing stock, will provide 16-ounce natural Boston round bottles, made from PET resin (B90A), which is recognised as an APR Preferred PET base resin.
The bottles are designed to accommodate 24-410 caps. They meet the APR test protocol criteria and are also available for purchase by the public, said the company.
APR technical consultant John Standish said: “Clear PET bottles made from a known virgin resin are required to conduct APR test protocols.
“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.
“Finding the right bottles can be costly, with long lead times. Our partnership with Berlin helps to overcome this challenge and facilitates the process of securing PET test bottles for companies seeking APR Design Recognition.”
According to Berlin Packaging, the APR Design Guide for Plastics Recyclability serves as a valuable resource for companies seeking to create packaging that can be easily converted into high-quality, post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials.
The guide categorises package design elements into four recyclability classifications which are APR Design Guide Preferred, Detrimental to Recycling, Renders Package Non-Recyclable, and Requires Testing.
Berlin Packaging sustainability vice president Balaji Jayaseelan said: “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 organisations.
“Berlin’s partnership with APR builds upon our mission and expands our collaborations with like-minded organisations championing sustainability.”