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Federal Trade Commission Expanded Definition of 'Recycled' Goods Still Stands

26 July 2000

Automotive Recyclers Association Seeks Media And Automotive Industry Compliance

                 
    FAIRFAX, Va. - Just as times change, so do classifications and definitions.  
While some are no longer considered "politically correct", other terms need some
minor revision.  Society has come to use recycled paper in massive amounts 
during the last decade due to its conservation and environmental benefits. 
Recycled auto parts present a similar story.    The U.S. Trade Commission 
acknowledged (over two years ago) the logical expansion of the terms "recycled" 
and "recycled content". The F.T.C. clearly indicated that it is better for the 
environment to recycle by reusing, since reuse is likely to consume fewer 
resources than recycling from raw materials.

    In May 1998, the United States Federal Trade Commission (U.S. FTC)
expanded its definition of "recycled" to reflect current consumer perceptions
about what the term "recycled" means in their Environmental Marketing Guides
("Green Guides").  The revision, published in the Federal Register, makes it
clear that "recycled" includes automotive parts recovered from "end of life"
motor vehicles.  The final rule also clarifies that the guides apply to all
forms of marketing, including digital or electronic media, such as the
Internet, and the marketing of services, as well as products and packages.

    ARA's Executive Vice President, William Steinkuller, summed up the issue
by saying, "It is clear the Federal Trade Commission thoroughly analyzed the
issue and concluded that the term "recycled" is the most appropriate way to
describe items in commerce from the automotive recycling industry."

    The U.S. FTC Green Guides were first announced in July 1992 and were
intended to help reduce consumer confusion and prevent the false or misleading
use of environmental terms in the advertising and labeling of products in the
marketplace.

    Founded in 1943, the Automotive Recyclers Association (ARA) has
represented an industry dedicated to the efficient removal and reuse of
automotive parts, and the proper disposal of inoperable motor vehicles. With
professional certification programs such as C.A.R.; and other partnerships
with automotive manufacturers, automotive recycling will continue to provide
consumers with quality, low cost alternatives for vehicle replacement parts,
while preserving our environment for tomorrow.