FPE-CG-01 - PE Film and Flexible Packaging - Critical Guidance Protocol

Aug 22, 2026

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Critical Guidance Protocol FPE Film and Flexible Packaging defines a comprehensive laboratory-scale evaluation for assessing the compatibility of PE-based films and flexible packaging innovations with film reclamation systems that source post-consumer film from collection streams. The protocol supports recyclability guidance applications by testing film or package “articles” (including multilayer constructions, coatings, additives, inks, labels with polymer substrates, adhesives, and new PE resin compositions) to determine effects in blown film and whether compatibility meets APR Preferred values and program requirements. Data from independent laboratories can be used in APR petitions requiring control and innovation blend evidence.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages20

Reading Time50 min

AccessFree to download

Packaging Assessment Applicability

Introduction

Scope, Significance, and Use

Disclaimer

Safety Statement

Method Summary

Method Steps for Extrusion Blends and Blown Film

Measurements, Report and Guidance Values

Test/Method Summary and Flow Diagrams

Document Version History

Critical Guidance Protocol: PE Film and Flexible Packaging DOCUMENT NUMBER: FPE-CG-01 Revision Date: March 30, 2026 Table of Contents Packaging Assessment Applicability ............................................................................................................................. 3 Introduction............................................................................................................................................................................. 3 Disclaimer ............................................................................................................................................................................... 5 Safety Statement .................................................................................................................................................................. 6 Method Summary ................................................................................................................................................................. 6 Method Steps for Extrusion Blends and Blown Film ................................................................................................ 8 Measurements, Report and Guidance Values ........................................................................................................... 12 Test/Method Summary and Flow Diagrams .............................................................................................................. 15 Document Version History............................................................................................................................................... 19 Packaging Assessment Applicability To Receive APR Recognition, the tested packaging articles must meet all the APR Preferred values shown in the tables below and all additional APR Recognition program requirements. For more information on these requirements please visit APR Design® for Recyclability Recognition. If the tested articles do not meet the APR Preferred values shown in the tables below and/or all the additional APR Recognition program requirements, then the APR recyclability category is Detrimental to Recycling unless otherwise stated in the APR Design Guide. Exceptions may be reviewed and voted on by the APR Technical Committees. Introduction Scope, Significance, and Use This is a comprehensive laboratory scale evaluation, or protocol, that can be used to assess the compatibility of PE-based films and flexible packaging innovations with film reclamation systems sourcing post-consumer film from store drop-off collection points or, in some cases, curbside collection. This test can be used to evaluate the impact of innovative PE film packaging components for which recycling compatibility is unknown or for which data is notably lacking. As examples: mono-and multi-layer constructions, coatings, additives (including compatibilizers along with innovative material), printing inks and pigments, labels with polymer substrate (paper labels are out of scope for Critical Guidance), adhesives, or new PE resin co-polymer or multi-material compositions can be tested for compatibility. This test requires assessment of the effect of the packaging in blown film to evaluate compatibility of the flexible packaging innovation with current, industrial-scale, film-to-film recycling processes. Plastic film is generally defined as plastic items with a thickness of less than 254 µm (10 mils) that are typically at least 95 percent (by weight) plastic with up to 5 percent other closely bonded or impregnated material, which may include printing, coatings, or fillers. Film, when used in packaging, is referred to as flexible packaging. The shape of flexible packaging typically changes when it is full of a product compared to when it is empty, whereas the shape of rigid packaging generally remains the same. In this document, the term “film” is used to mean flexible packaging whic

FAQs

What is the purpose of the Critical Guidance Protocol for PE film and flexible packaging?

It provides a laboratory-scale method to evaluate how PE-based film and flexible packaging innovations are compatible with film reclamation systems and current film-to-film recycling processes.

Which packaging innovations or components can be tested under this protocol?

The protocol can assess mono- and multi-layer constructions, coatings, additives (including compatibilizers), printing inks and pigments, polymer-substrate labels, adhesives, and new PE resin co-polymer or multi-material compositions.

What evidence is required for APR Critical Guidance Recognition Program submissions?

Petitions need data for a control material and for innovation articles blended with extruded articles, and may also require completion of prerequisite testing such as sortation potential before submission.

Aug 22, 2026

Upload by Miles