An accurate recyclable claim says exactly which part of the package is recyclable, reflects whether recycling is actually available to your customers, and is backed by evidence. In the US, the FTC's Green Guides are the main reference. In practice, that usually means qualified wording such as "recyclable where facilities accept it" or "pump designed for recyclability", rather than broad, absolute claims.
The rules that apply
The Federal Trade Commission's Guides for the Use of Environmental Marketing Claims, known as the Green Guides, explain how the FTC views environmental claims under its rules against deceptive advertising. They are not a law in themselves, but they show how the FTC is likely to judge a claim.
The key ideas for recyclable claims are:
- Recyclable means more than "made of a recyclable material". An item should be collectible, separable or recoverable from the waste stream through an established recycling program.
- Qualify when access is limited. If recycling facilities are not available to a substantial majority of the consumers or communities where the item is sold, the claim should be qualified.
- Be clear about the part. State whether the claim applies to the product, the package or a component.
- Have evidence. Claims need competent and reliable support.
- Avoid broad, unqualified claims. Terms like "eco-friendly" or "green" on their own are hard to support.
The FTC has been reviewing the Green Guides, and some states have their own rules. California, for example, has laws covering recyclability claims and use of the chasing-arrows symbol. Check the current rules for every market you sell in, and have your legal team review final copy. This article is general information, not legal advice.
Why pumps and sprayers need extra care
A package is often a mix of parts. The bottle may be widely recyclable while the pump on top is not. Many conventional pumps combine several plastics with a metal spring, which makes them hard to sort and reprocess. We explain why in why metal springs make pumps hard to recycle.
If your bottle is recyclable but your pump has a metal spring, an unqualified "recyclable" claim on the whole package can mislead. Switching to an all-plastic pump removes that gap and makes your claim easier to support.
Claim wording compared
| Wording | When it may fit | Risk level |
|---|---|---|
| "Recyclable" (unqualified) | Only when recycling programs that accept the item are available to a substantial majority of your customers | Higher for pumps and sprayers |
| "Recyclable where facilities accept it" | Most pumps, sprayers and small closures | Lower |
| "Pump designed for recyclability" | All-plastic or mono-material pumps | Lower, when specific to the part |
| "Pump is APR-recognized for recyclability" | Only for components with APR recognition | Lower, with documentation |
| "Metal-free pump" or "all-plastic pump" | When the pump has no metal parts | Lower; it is a factual description |
| "100% recyclable" or "recyclable everywhere" | Rarely, if ever, for closures | High; avoid |
| "Eco-friendly" or "green" on its own | Hard to support without specifics | High; avoid or qualify |
A step-by-step checklist
- List every component. Bottle, closure, pump, dip tube, label, shrink sleeve and any secondary packaging.
- Get material data from suppliers. Know the resin and any metal or mixed parts in each component.
- Check third-party evaluations. Note which parts carry APR recognition and keep the documents on file.
- Consider access in your markets. Ask whether consumers where you sell can actually recycle each part.
- Write part-specific claims. "Bottle and pump designed for recyclability" is clearer than "recyclable packaging".
- Add a qualifier. Use "recyclable where facilities accept it" or "check locally".
- Review symbols. The resin identification code identifies the plastic; it is not a recyclability claim on its own. Place it so it does not imply more than it means, and check state rules for the chasing-arrows symbol.
- Have counsel review. Confirm the final wording against current federal and state rules.
- Revisit after changes. New colors, decoration or components can change what you can claim.
Keep company and product claims separate
Company-level sustainability ratings and product-level recyclability are different things. A supplier rating describes how a company manages its practices. It does not make any specific package recyclable. Keep these claims in separate places and word them precisely.
For example, APG holds an EcoVadis Platinum rating. That is a company-level rating. Product claims, such as APR recognition, belong to specific products like the Infinity Lotion Pump.
How APG can help
APG's all-plastic pumps and sprayers make accurate claims easier because they remove metal from the closure. Options with APR recognition and other all-plastic designs include:
- Infinity Lotion Pump: APR recognized for recyclability, with all plastic components and no metal contact with product.
- Infinity Trigger Sprayer: APR recognized and all-plastic.
- Infinity HV Fine Mist Sprayer: APR recognized, patented all-plastic design.
- Infinity Foamer Pump: PP, all-plastic and APR recognized.
- Infinity V2 Lotion Pump (mono): PP mono all-plastic.
Compare the full range of our metal-free pumps and sprayers, read about our sustainability approach, or see what APR recognition means for pumps and sprayers. If you need product details to support your claims, contact our team.
Common questions
Can I call my bottle "recyclable" if the pump is not?
You can make a claim about the bottle, but make it clear that it applies only to the bottle. Avoid implying the whole package is recyclable.
Is "recyclable where facilities accept it" enough?
It is a common qualifier for items with limited recycling access. Your legal team should confirm the exact wording for your markets.
Can I say "100% recyclable"?
Avoid it for pumps and sprayers. Recycling access varies, and absolute claims are hard to support.
Does the resin code mean my package is recyclable?
No. The resin identification code identifies the plastic type. It does not on its own mean the item is accepted for recycling.
Does an all-plastic pump make my claim stronger?
It removes the metal that often makes pumps hard to recycle, so claims such as "designed for recyclability" are easier to support.
Want packaging that backs up your claims? Request samples or a quote for our all-plastic pumps and sprayers.