Topeka, Kansas – The Foil & Specialty Effects Association (FSEA) commends the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR), a US-based international non-profit and the only North American organization focused exclusively on improving recycling for plastics, for recent updates to the APR Design® Guide. Metallized Transfer Products in relation to specified coverage guidelines on various filmic label and tube substrates now are categorized as “APR Design® Guide Preferred.” With the goal of improving recycling for plastics, a committee comprised of stakeholders throughout the supply, production and recycling chain engaged in a rigorous process of technical research, extensive testing, review and revision to update the guide.

A critical reference tool for sustainable package design, The APR Design® Guide assigns the following recyclability categories to packaging components and enhancements: “APR Design® Guide Preferred”; “Detrimental to Recycling”; “Renders Package Non-Recyclable”; and “Requires Testing.” With guidelines specific to many different plastic label and packaging substrates, the APR Design® Guide typically categorizes Metallized Transfer Products as “APR Design® Guide Preferred” within a specified coverage area. In fact, Metallized Transfer Products and Metallic Ink share the same rankings and coverage guidelines.

The APR emphasizes that all features of package design must be accounted for to understand how a whole package will perform in the recycling system. Accordingly, the APR Design® Guide offers advice on the separation and bonding requirements of Metallized Transfer Products relative to various substrates. Jeff Peterson, Executive Director of the Foil & Specialty Effects Association, reinforced this by stating, “The APR Design® Guide lays the groundwork for success and includes a vast library of recyclability and sortability test protocols, providing the best way to ensure a finished package will be viable.”

For more information, contact Jeff Peterson, FSEA Executive Director, at 785.271.5816.