BarrierGuard® OxygenSmart™ Recognized by the Association of Plastic Recyclers

APR formally recognizes BarrierGuard® OxygenSmart™ on meeting critical guidance for clear PET resin and molded articles

MEMPHIS, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Ring Container Technologies, a leader in the plastic container manufacturing industry, today announced BarrierGuard® OxygenSmart™, a technology designed to protect both product freshness and the environment, has received Critical Guidance Recognition from The Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR).

A program for assessing recyclability in plastic packaging design, APR's Critical Guidance Recognition is presented to companies for products that solve well-established challenges in sustainable package design. BarrierGuard® OxygenSmart™ has met the high standards for clear PET resins and molded articles, supporting the APR’s design for circularity.

“While traditional barrier systems typically inhibit single stream recycling efforts, our proprietary barrier technology is the first of its kind to be formally recognized by APR as being non-detrimental to the clear PET recycling stream,” said Brian Smith, Ring Container President and Chief Operating Officer. “BarrierGuard OxygenSmart represents a significant R&D investment that took years to develop. The new technology is representative of Ring’s commitment to innovative sustainable packaging solutions.”

BarrierGuard® OxygenSmart™ previously earned the How2Recycle® “Widely Recycled” label with broad acceptance in curbside programs. The barrier technology can utilize post-consumer recycled content without impacting barrier performance.

“Our BarrierGuard OxygenSmart blocks or absorbs up to 30% more oxygen versus traditional barriers using 2.5 times less barrier material on average,” states Tim Ferrel, Ring Container Vice President of Business Development. “That’s cost-effective innovation our customers can relate to.”

BarrierGuard® OxygenSmart™ can be customized to achieve up to a 24-month shelf life with a range of products including ketchup, other tomato-based sauces, salsas, instant coffee, nuts, and baby food among others.

“APR’s Critical Guidance Recognition Program is the gold standard for determining the effect of an innovation on the quality of the plastic recycling stream,” according to Steve Alexander, APR’s President and CEO. “We commend Ring Container Technologies for the development of their BarrierGuard OxygenSmart technology, which has received Critical Guidance Recognition, a first for materials of this type.”

APR is an international trade association representing the plastic recycling industry. As a member of the organization, Ring Container Technologies is committed to the success of plastic recycling.

About Ring Container Technologies

Ring Container Technologies is a multinational corporation headquartered in Oakland, Tennessee. Focused on developing container technology solutions for its customers for more than 50 years, the company has grown to be an industry innovation leader and one of the largest plastic container manufacturers in North America. With a commitment to be fiscally, socially, and environmentally responsible, Ring Container Technologies strives to advance innovation while exceeding expectations by design. For more information, visit www.ringcontainer.com.