ISRI is seeking public comments on its Recyclability Protocol. The Protocol for Fiber Based Packaging will serve as a research-based approach for users to assess the extent to which fiber-based packaging may be recyclable and does not pose known challenges for the residential recycling system.

“The recyclability protocol ensures that the needs of producers and recyclers are met as they work to design products with recycling in mind,” states Cheryl Coleman, ISRI’s senior vice president of sustainability. “As consumers are looking to be more conscious of their shopping decisions related to recycling, the protocol will be a great resource for developers and brands.”

The Protocol will be an online tool that automatically scores each criterion based on the methodology research conducted for the Protocol. The results will determine whether the packaging meets the criteria of the Protocol or has challenges that require modifications or testing or does not meet the criteria. It currently focuses specifically on recycling post-consumer fiber-based packaging that will be marketed in the United States but will later be expanded to serve as an assessment tool for other recycled materials.

The public comment period ends Friday, Nov. 4.