ReMA and APR Release Updated Recycled Plastic Specifications
Modifications Reflect Current Market Trading Practices for HDPE and Film Plastics
(July 31, 2025 – Washington, DC) – The Recycled Materials Association (ReMA) and the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) have released the latest updates to ReMA’s ISRI Specifications and the APR Model Bale Specifications. Following a collaborative development process between the two organizations and their members, the specifications were approved by both the ReMA Board of Directors and the APR Board of Directors.
Revised Recycled Plastic Specifications:
High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Natural Bottles
HDPE Color Bottles & Select Containers
HDPE Injection Bulky Rigid Plastics
Polyethylene (PE) Clear Film (Grade A)
ReMA’s ISRI Specifications and APR’s Model Bale Specifications serve as reference tools detailing accepted materials and contaminants to facilitate communication between buyers and sellers of recycled plastic commodities and are not intended to replace individual agreements or MRF material acceptance lists. Periodic updates are published as needed to reflect changes in the post-consumer product and packaging mix, design for recyclability for packaging and packaging innovations, reclaimer technologies, and end markets for recycled resins.
“We are looking to capture as much recyclable HDPE as possible from the recycling stream, while ensuring our PCR material quality and yields,” said Scott Saunders, KW Plastics General Manager and member of both APR and ReMA Board of Directors. “The updates to the HDPE model specifications balance this, confirming what bottles and containers can be commonly accepted in North American bales today and also include agreed revisions to the bale contaminant listings.”
While contamination remains a critical issue for reclaimers, model specifications clearly convey contaminants that are tolerable at low levels, as well as those that are prohibited because they are difficult or dangerous for reclaimers to manage.
“We are pleased to continue collaborative efforts with ReMA to ensure model bale specifications are aligned with current North American reclaimer practice and the latest developments in design for recyclability,” said Steve Alexander, APR President & CEO. “Serving as an essential resource for buyers and sellers, they enable consistency and quality in recycled plastic markets.”
With the integration of advanced technologies like optical sorting, robotics, and artificial intelligence, the recycling industry utilizes powerful tools to sort and monitor plastics collected for recycling. However, consistent improvements in recycled material quality, yield, and end markets require up-to-date bale specifications and packaging that is designed for recyclability. ReMA and APR remain committed to collaborative efforts to support the consistency and integrity of recycled plastics markets.
“Technology and innovation are constantly transforming the recycled materials stream,” said ReMA President Robin Wiener. “ReMA’s ISRI Specifications are not only internationally recognized, but also essential for facilitating domestic trade for all recycled materials. We are proud to collaborate with APR on these important plastic specification updates.”
ReMA Contact:
Rachel Bookman
ReMA Director of Communications
[email protected]
APR Contact:
Kara Pochiro
APR VP of Communications & Public Affairs
[email protected]
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The Recycled Materials Association (ReMA) represents more than 1,700 companies in the U.S. and 40 countries around the globe. Based in Washington, D.C., ReMA provides advocacy, education, safety and compliance training, and promotes public awareness of the vital role recycled materials play in the U.S. economy, global trade, the environment and sustainable development. Visit recycledmaterials.org.
The Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) is an international non-profit and the only North American organization focused exclusively on improving recycling for plastics. APR’s tools & resources help companies design packaging that can be recycled, support innovations that overcome existing recycling challenges, and encourage stable and reliable markets for post-consumer recycled content. Visit plasticsrecycling.org for more information.