Packaging Simplified: Sustainable Packaging Design with APR’s Rebecca Mick

In this episode of Packaging Simplified, Joe and Marcos are diving deep into sustainable packaging design with Rebecca Mick, Program Director of Film and Packaging Innovation at the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR).

Rebecca Mick leads the Film Technical Committee and oversees APR’s Critical Guidance Program—a cornerstone in validating packaging designs for recyclability.

With nearly a decade of experience at a major film manufacturer before joining APR, Rebecca brings deep technical expertise in flexible packaging materials, recyclability testing, and design optimization. At APR, she works closely with brands, retailers, and recyclers to ensure new packaging innovations align with real-world recycling capabilities.

Her work supports APR’s mission to expand recycling access, strengthen demand for post-consumer recycled content, and drive circular packaging design across North America—and increasingly, the globe.

In episode three of Packaging Simplified, Rebecca brings her technical insight and real-world experience to unpack what’s working (and what’s not) in the world of plastic packaging and recycling. She provides valuable knowledge on how brands can design smarter from the start.

Key Takeaways:

• APR’s Design Guide—celebrating 30 years—is considered the gold standard for recyclability, recognized by Walmart, Costco, and state programs like California’s legislation.
• Recyclability isn’t just about materials—it’s also about dimensions, labels, closures, and additives. Something as small as a paper label or a metal spring can downgrade the entire package.
• Color-coded classification (green, yellow, red) helps identify whether a package is preferred, detrimental, or non-recyclable.
• Designing right can earn you APR recognition—a third-party validation tool that helps with regulatory compliance and credibility in B2B relationships.
• Emerging tech in material sortation is paving the way for smarter recycling systems, and APR is aligning globally to harmonize standards across continents.
  

Rebecca also shares some fascinating tips, like:

• Avoid degradable additives—they actually disrupt the recycling stream.
• Consider bio-based PET or PE if you want renewables without sacrificing recyclability.
• Start using the APR Design Guide early in your development process—and take advantage of their upcoming training sessions.

Whether you’re a packaging designer, sustainability lead, or just trying to stay compliant, this episode is packed with insights you can act on today.

Listen to the full episode and subscribe to Packaging Simplified on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon, and iHeartRadio.

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Thank you, Rebecca and APR, for this enlightening discussion. We look forward to continuing our conversation as infrastructure, demand, and legislation continue to shape the future of sustainability in the packaging industry and beyond.