The Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) has relaunched the APR Recycling Demand Champions Program, supported by The Recycling Partnership. The program recognizes companies committed to the long-term use of North American post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic.

Virgin plastic prices are dropping and imported plastic is on the rise. Therefore, it’s critical to recognize companies that are supporting the North American recycling system by creating demand. Recycling is a circular system that only works if there is a steady supply of materials being collected and processed. Plus, there needs to be reliable demand from companies committed to buying the recycled materials. Stable demand for North American PCR is a critical step toward scaling plastic recycling, building and maintaining a circular economy, as well as reducing plastic waste.  

In addition, APR commends these companies for being leaders in the use of North American PCR and strengthening North America’s circular economy: Amcor, Charter Next Generation, Kraft Heinz, Novolex, and Triton Group.

All Demand Champions

All Demand Champion companies utilize PCR, and the program recognizes consistent demand for North American PCR. This is necessary to scale recycling. APR evaluates companies on eight criteria based on the following actions: 

“APR commends these companies for making the commitments required to become an APR Recycling Demand Champion and stepping up to support consistent demand for North American PCR,” states Steve Alexander, APR president and CEO. “This program is designed to incentivize long-term, contracted PCR demand to match increased collection volumes and scale plastics recycling.”

The APR Recycling Demand Champions Program plays a key role in APR’s broader strategy to strengthen markets for post-consumer recycled plastic (PCR), which is vital to an effective recycling system. Robust demand for PCR underpins the sustainability of the North American plastics recycling industry. It also helps drive a circular economy for plastics.