APR recognition means a packaging design has been evaluated under the Association of Plastic Recyclers' Design Recognition program and found to meet its guidance for recyclability. For pumps and sprayers, it is independent evidence that the design works with the recycling system. It does not mean the item will be recycled in every community, so it should be described accurately on pack and online.
Who the APR is
The Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) is a US trade association that represents the plastics recycling industry. Its members include companies that collect, sort and reprocess plastic.
APR publishes the APR Design Guide for Plastics Recyclability. The guide explains which design choices help or hurt recycling, such as resin type, colorants, labels, adhesives and attachments. Because it comes from the recycling industry itself, packaging buyers and brand owners widely use it as a reference.
How APR Design Recognition works
The Design Recognition program recognizes packaging that has been evaluated against APR's guidance, often through its test protocols. In general terms, the process looks like this:
- A company submits a packaging design or component to APR.
- The design is evaluated against APR guidance, which may include laboratory testing of how the material behaves in recycling processes.
- If it meets the criteria, APR issues recognition for that design.
Recognition applies to the design that was evaluated. If you change the resin, colorant, components or decoration, ask your supplier whether the recognition still covers your configuration. Program details can change over time, so check the APR website for current criteria.
Questions to ask your supplier
- Which exact product and configuration received APR recognition?
- Does the recognition cover the colors and finishes you plan to use?
- Can you share the recognition documentation for your files?
- Does the recognition cover the closure alone, or a closure and bottle combination?
Clear answers to these questions protect your claims and save time with retail and sustainability reviews.
Why it matters for pumps and sprayers
Pumps and sprayers can be some of the trickiest packaging parts to recycle. Many conventional designs combine several plastics with a steel spring sealed inside. Even when a bottle is easy to recycle, the closure on top may not be. We explain why in why metal springs make pumps hard to recycle.
APR recognition for a pump or sprayer helps in three ways:
- Independent evidence. It comes from the recycling industry's own program, not just the supplier's description.
- Better claims. It supports accurate wording such as "APR-recognized for recyclability".
- Easier buying decisions. Sourcing, sustainability and retail teams can point to a known program when comparing options.
What APR recognition does and does not mean
It is easy to stretch the meaning of a recognition. This table shows how common terms relate to each other.
| Term | What it means | What it does not mean |
|---|---|---|
| APR-recognized | The design was evaluated under APR's Design Recognition program and met its guidance | That every local program collects it, or that every variant of the product is covered |
| Designed for recyclability | Material and design choices support recycling | A guarantee that the item will be recycled |
| Recyclable where facilities accept it | A qualified claim that reflects varying local access | Universal acceptance |
| All-plastic | No metal parts | A single resin type |
| Mono-material | Main parts made from one resin family | Recyclable everywhere |
How to talk about APR recognition
Use APR recognition as a fact, not a slogan. A few practical tips:
- Name the part. If only the pump is recognized, say "pump is APR-recognized for recyclability", not "package is recyclable".
- Keep the qualifier. Pair it with "recyclable where facilities accept it" when you talk about end-of-life.
- Do not overstate. Avoid "100% recyclable everywhere" or broad terms like "eco-friendly" without explanation.
- Check APR's rules. APR has its own guidance on how its name and recognition may be referenced. Follow it in packaging and marketing copy.
- Keep records. Save the recognition documentation from your supplier so your team can support the claim if asked.
For a broader look at claim wording, read how to make accurate recyclable claims on your packaging.
How APG can help
Several APG all-plastic closures are APR recognized:
- Infinity Lotion Pump: APR recognized for recyclability, patented all-plastic up-lock design, with no metal contact with product.
- Infinity Trigger Sprayer: APR recognized, all-plastic and e-commerce capable, with no custom filling equipment needed.
- Infinity HV Fine Mist Sprayer: APR recognized, patented all-plastic design, in 20/410, 24/410 and 28/410.
- Infinity Foamer Pump: PP, all-plastic and APR recognized.
Explore the rest of our metal-free pumps and sprayers, including mono-material options. If you need recognition details for a specific configuration, ask our team.
Common questions
What does APR stand for?
APR is the Association of Plastic Recyclers, a US trade association for the plastics recycling industry.
Is APR recognition a certification?
It is a recognition from APR's Design Recognition program, based on evaluation against its guidance. Describe it as "APR-recognized" rather than inventing other terms.
Does an APR-recognized pump get recycled everywhere?
No. Recognition is about the design. Whether the pump is collected and recycled depends on local facilities, so pair the claim with "recyclable where facilities accept it".
Does recognition cover my custom color?
Not necessarily. Recognition applies to the evaluated design. Ask your supplier whether your colors and components are covered.
Is an APR-recognized pump also metal-free?
APG's APR-recognized pumps and sprayers listed above are all-plastic, with no metal parts. Do not assume this for other products without checking.
Looking for APR-recognized closures for your next launch? Request samples or a quote and we will help you find the right fit.