Paragon Films Recognized for Recycling Leadership by APR
Paragon Films, a prominent manufacturer of ultra-high-performance stretch films with a strong focus on sustainability, has announced a major industry recognition. The company received the Recycling Leadership Honorable Mention from the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) for its exceptional efforts in utilizing post-consumer recycled (PCR) content in its products.
This distinction highlights Paragon Films’ ongoing commitment to environmental responsibility and innovation within the plastics industry. Notably, Paragon Films is the only stretch film manufacturer to earn APR recognition in 2026, setting the company apart as a leader in sustainable packaging solutions.
Honoring Innovation in PCR Utilization
The APR recognized Paragon Films specifically for its Beyond PCR machine stretch film. This product incorporates 25 percent certified domestic post-consumer recycled content in a 39-gauge format, representing a meaningful step forward in reducing reliance on virgin materials while maintaining high performance. The Beyond PCR film demonstrates that sustainability does not require compromising quality or functionality.
By achieving this balance, Paragon Films has created a product that competes effectively with traditional 55- to 65-gauge machine films. The reduced thickness of 39 gauge allows for significant material savings without sacrificing strength or durability. This advancement showcases the company’s ability to integrate recycled content into high-performance packaging materials successfully.
Sustainability Without Sacrifice
Beyond PCR is part of Paragon Films’ Sustainability Without Sacrifice™ product line, which focuses on helping customers reduce their use of virgin plastic while supporting circularity in transportation packaging. The ultra-thin machine film achieves a remarkable 54 percent reduction in virgin resin use. This reduction translates to an estimated prevention of approximately 490 metric tons of CO₂ emissions per million pounds of film produced.
By creating a product that combines performance with sustainability, Paragon Films provides businesses with solutions that align with growing environmental standards and corporate sustainability goals. The product line reinforces the company’s leadership in producing stretch films that contribute to a more circular economy.
APR Recycling Leadership Awards
The APR Recycling Leadership Awards program recognizes individuals and organizations whose efforts in innovation and sustainability are driving meaningful change in plastics recycling. The program was established in celebration of the 30th anniversary of the APR Design® Guide for Plastics Recyclability, a widely recognized technical resource that provides guidance on designing plastic packaging for recyclability.
The awards highlight the importance of integrating recycled content into products, designing packaging for recyclability, and advancing circular practices in the plastics industry. Paragon Films’ recognition emphasizes the company’s dedication to these goals and its role as a key innovator shaping the future of sustainable packaging.
Industry Recognition and Impact
Steve Alexander, APR President & CEO, commented on the awards: “We are pleased to honor leading changemakers with the second annual APR Recycling Leadership Awards. The APR Design® Guide is widely recognized across the globe as the authority on plastics packaging design for recyclability. We commend those who are driving significant change across the value chain.”
Paragon Films’ inclusion in this program demonstrates the industry’s recognition of the company’s leadership in sustainability. The Beyond PCR film not only advances the use of post-consumer recycled content but also serves as a benchmark for other manufacturers seeking to reduce environmental impact without compromising product performance.
Leading the Way in Sustainable Packaging
Paragon Films continues to set industry standards for integrating sustainability into high-performance stretch films. The company’s commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility is evident in its product development strategy and operational practices. By focusing on PCR content, Paragon Films helps clients reduce the environmental footprint of their packaging operations while ensuring that products meet the rigorous performance standards required in logistics and transportation.
The Honorable Mention from APR highlights the growing importance of sustainable solutions in the packaging industry. As regulations tighten and consumer demand for environmentally friendly packaging increases, innovations such as Beyond PCR provide a clear path forward for manufacturers seeking to align with these expectations.
Commitment to Circularity
The recognition of Beyond PCR emphasizes Paragon Films’ dedication to promoting circularity in the plastics supply chain. By designing products that utilize post-consumer recycled content effectively, the company contributes to a reduction in plastic waste and supports the broader industry shift toward a more sustainable, closed-loop model.
This approach aligns with global efforts to decrease reliance on virgin plastics and reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with production. Paragon Films’ achievements demonstrate that sustainable practices can coexist with high performance, reinforcing the idea that responsible innovation is not only possible but essential for long-term industry success.
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