AMERIPEN Launches Free, Ground-Breaking Product Recovery Knowledge Map (PRKM) Interactive Tool

Public Webinar Showcasing PRKM Findings Will Be Held November 15

WAKEFIELD, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As part of its ongoing efforts to increase the recovery of used packaging materials, the American Institute for Packaging and the Environment (AMERIPEN) is making its Product Recovery Knowledge Map (PRKM) available at no charge to the public. The launch and introduction will occur via a free webinar to be held on November 15, 2012, 12:00-1:00 p.m. EST. Advance registration is required.

“Though the PRKM was previously an AMERIPEN members-only benefit, we are now making the majority of this important resource free and available to everyone, as a public service”

The PRKM is a unique and highly interactive web-based knowledge mapping tool that compiles packaging data by type across all phases of the recovery system. It was created to help determine the most logical steps needed to increase recovery of packaging materials. Designed to serve as an informational clearinghouse and organizational tool to support data-driven decision making, the PRKM is a one-stop repository for industry professionals. Access to the PRKM is through the AMERIPEN website.

"Though the PRKM was previously an AMERIPEN members-only benefit, we are now making the majority of this important resource free and available to everyone, as a public service," said AMERIPEN Executive Director Joan Pierce. "We hope that this open access to the PRKM, along with the valuable knowledge we'll share in the November 15th online session, will enable increased participation in recovery efforts from across the packaging value chain. I encourage everyone with an interest in this sector to make use of the PRKM and to register for our webinar."

AMERIPEN is now holding a membership drive to engage additional participants to help drive all of its programs forward: any new participant that joins and pays dues in the fourth quarter of 2012 will have its membership year extend until December 31, 2013, allowing companies to participate now, rather than waiting for the start of the new calendar year.

About AMERIPEN

The American Institute for Packaging and the Environment (AMERIPEN) works to improve and promote the economic, environmental, and social sustainability of packaging through increased material recovery rates, better packaging design and materials selection, and public awareness. The organization engages with thought leaders throughout the packaging industry ‒ including representatives of trade associations, academic institutions, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and government agencies ‒ to facilitate relevant research and identify key data and standards to advance the organization’s mission.

AMERIPEN efforts are based upon a philosophy of sound science. It welcomes companies that support the philosophy of a collaborative trade and industry organization, active and cooperative issue resolution, and material and packaging system neutrality. For more information, visit www.AMERIPEN.org.

AMERIPEN, the AMERIPEN logo, and The Power of Packaging in Balance are registered trademarks of the American Institute for Packaging and the Environment.