Brands across the world increased demand for PCR plastics by a combined 384 million lb. since the launch of APR's Recycling Demand Champions Program; in 2021, brands increased their PRC plastic usage by 138.7 million lb.

June 23, 2022 (press release) –

Accelerating growth in demand for recycled plastics.

The Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) is pleased to announce that its program designed to drive market demand for recycled plastics generated 138.7 million pounds of new demand for postconsumer resin (PCR) in 2021. The APR announced the latest program results, as well as the new companies joining the program for 2022, during the recent June APR Member Meeting.

First launched in 2018, the APR Recycling Demand Champions Program has experienced tremendous growth over the years, with a combined 384 million pounds of new demand for PCR since its launch. The Program tracks incremental usage of PCR, meaning participating companies are increasing the amount of PCR they're using year after year. For 2021, the 138.7 million pounds of PCR isn't simply the total amount of PCR these companies used; this figure represents the increased PCR usage by these companies.

"We are thrilled with the growth we experienced in 2021 and since 2018, particularly during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic," commented Ali Briggs-Ungerer, APR's Director of Market Development. "It's particularly remarkable that every single one of the 2021 Champions is a renewing Program member, which really demonstrates their ongoing commitment to boost demand for PCR."

The APR Recycling Demand Champions that increased their use of PCR in 2021 include:

• Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc
• Automated Drop Systems
• Avery Dennison Corporation
• Berry Global
• Champion Polymer Recycling
• Charter Next Generation
• Chick-fil-A, Inc.
• Clean Tech / Plastipak Packaging
• Colgate Palmolive Company
• General Mills
• Intertape Polymer Group
• ISOFlex Packaging
• Keurig Dr Pepper
• Novolex Holdings, Inc.
• PAC Worldwide
• Pactiv Evergreen
• PepsiCo
• Rehrig Pacific Co
• Revolution
• Scotts Miracle-Gro
• Silgan Closures
• Silgan Plastics
• UPM Raflatac
• Viva Healthcare Packaging (Canada) Ltd.
• Waste Management
• Westfall-Technik

"The need for continued and growing demand for postconsumer recycled content is essential to the success of plastics recycling and a key focus for APR," said Steve Alexander, President & CEO of APR. "Although we most certainly need more feedstock to achieve real growth, we must recognize the wide range of applications for recycled plastics including durable, non-food items, which are what this program was built on from the beginning."

The following companies have committed to increase their use of PCR in 2022:

• Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc
• Automated Drop Systems
• Avery Dennison Corporation
• Berry Global
• Champion Polymer Recycling
• Charter Next Generation
• Chick-fil-A, Inc.
• Clean Tech / Plastipak Packaging
• Electrolux North America
• General Mills
• Intertape Polymer Group
• ISOFlex Packaging
• Keurig Dr Pepper
• Novolex Holdings, Inc.
• PAC Worldwide
• Pactiv Evergreen
• PakTech
• Rehrig Pacific Co
• Revolution
• Scotts Miracle-Gro
• Silgan Closures
• Silgan Plastics
• TC Transcontinental Packaging
• UPM Raflatac
• Viva Healthcare Packaging (Canada) Ltd.
• Waste Management
• Westfall-Technik

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