What is Postconsumer Recycled Content and is it Safe?
The full technical standard can be found in ISO , but in simple terms, postconsumer recycled content is material that met the end of its initial intended use and was recycled into a new package or product. To keep plastic in use and out of the landfill, it must be recycled and put into new products or packaging. Using postconsumer recycled content in new packaging is the last link of the loop in a circular economy for plastic packaging.
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The idea of recycling and using recycled materials might raise a few questions &#; such as &#;is that safe?&#;. After all, the plastic had a long journey on its initial life &#; who knows where it&#;s been! The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires that PCR used in food contact packaging has received a Letter of No Objection (LNO). A recycler must apply for an LNO and provide documentation to the FDA on their quality processes that prevent or remove contaminants. You can learn more about the process to obtain an LNO on the FDA&#;s website.
As mentioned above, using postconsumer recycled content in new packaging is the necessary last step of a circular economy. But what exactly is a circular economy, and why does it matter?
A circular economy is an economy that is restorative and regenerative by design. It mimics the processes of nature. Just as a leaf provides shade during the summer, then falls to the ground to eventually become nutrients to nourish the tree to make new leaves, a circular economy captures materials at the end of their initial life to be used to create new materials for future use. A circular economy is focused on economic activity that builds and rebuilds overall system health. The concept recognizes the importance of the economy needing to work effectively at all scales &#; for big and small businesses, for organizations and individuals, globally and locally. It is based on three principles: design out waste and pollution; keep products and materials in use; and regenerate natural systems.*
*See &#;The circular economy in detail&#;
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What's the difference between recyclable and recycled?
These two terms sound similar, but are actually quite different. Consumers may see either term on a package&#;s label, and it&#;s important to understand the difference. The terms mean different things, and both are essential to a circular economy.
A recyclable package means the package can be collected, processed, and made into new things. Each material type &#; plastic, paper, metal, etc. &#; has to be properly designed to successfully make it through the collection and reprocessing journey. Any material could have additives, components, or features that render it unable to successfully complete the journey and therefore not be recyclable. Design guidelines exist for each material type to ensure that a package can be recycled, and when a package meets those requirements, it is considered recyclable.
Recycled means that a package actually did complete the collection and reprocessing journey and end up as a new product or package. It&#;s not just what could potentially happen, it&#;s what actually did happen. To keep plastic in circulation and out of the landfill, packaging must be designed to be recyclable and use recycled content. Learn more.
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Why buy products with PCR?
Many companies have made commitments to design packaging to be recyclable, and that&#;s a great start. But it&#;s only one part of the circle. If recycled content isn&#;t used in new packaging, that means recyclable plastic isn&#;t being reprocessed into new products and is instead ending up in the landfill just like unrecyclable plastic &#; and it&#;s still the same result for our planet!
If you&#;ve ever taken an economics class in high school or college, you may remember the law of supply and demand. Demand for a product drives investment and technology to produce it. When society drives demand for PCR, markets are created for PCR, and that drives investment in the recycling industry.
It is imperative that brand owners use PCR in their products to close the loop on plastic waste and drive investment in recycling infrastructure and technology. As a consumer, companies are looking to provide products that meet your preferences. When someone chooses products or packaging that contain PCR, that helps drive demand for PCR. Companies know that it is important to consumers&#; buying choices, and they are more likely to incorporate it into their packaging.
In addition to companies making the voluntary choice to incorporate PCR, some states now have legislation requiring that certain packages have a minimum amount of PCR included. You can learn more about that on the Sustainability & Government Affairs page of this toolkit.
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How to identify products with PCR
Unfortunately, this can be a little hard to do. Companies are describing sustainability attributes of their products in a variety of means, and it can be confusing at times. The Federal Trade Commission is working on an update to the Green Guides, which should further standardize the marketing of sustainability attributes. But in the meantime, here are some things to look out for.
The best indicator of a package that contains PCR is that it will actually say the words &#;contains postconsumer recycled content&#; and have an emblem of a certification agency that verified it. That is the best practice for labeling PCR. There also may be labels that indicate the product contains &#;recycled content&#;. This is good, but it could be a blend of postconsumer recycled content as well as post-industrial recycled content (this is waste that was generated during the manufacturing process and diverted from the landfill through recycling).
A package that is labeled as &#;recyclable&#; or says &#;please recycle&#; does not necessarily have PCR. The triangle made up of chasing arrows (&#;) is also not an indicator of PCR inclusion, it is merely an indication of the material that makes up the package.
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What You Need to Know About Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) Packaging
Both savvy shoppers and consumer packaged goods companies are placing more emphasis on sustainability, reducing waste, and using less energy. As a brand owner, your sustainability goals are more important now than ever, as consumers begin seeking out brands focused on the environment.
When it comes to packaging, it's no surprise that brands are looking for eco-friendly packaging. While recyclable or compostable packaging are the two most common types of sustainable packaging, there is a third choice gaining traction on the shelf &#; post consumer recycled (PCR) plastics packaging.
What are Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) Plastics?
Post-consumer recycled content, often referred to as PCR, is material that is made from the items that consumers recycle every day, like aluminum, cardboard boxes, paper, and plastic bottles. These materials are typically collected by local recycling programs and shipped to recycling facilities to be sorted into bales, based on the material. The bales are then purchased and melted (or ground) into small pellets and molded into new items. The new PCR plastic material can then be used for a variety of finished products, including packaging.
How is PCR Packaging Different from Recyclable and Compostable Packaging?
Though PCR, recyclable, and compostable packaging are all sustainable packaging options, they each differ in the way that they are processed and what they can offer consumers.
PCR packaging is manufactured with film that is made from recycled materials. In general, PCR packaging, such as post consumer recycled plastic, cannot be recycled again since it&#;s already made from recycled materials. This allows brands to fulfill their sustainability goals, without relying on the consumer to recycle or compost the package after use.
A package is deemed recyclable when the materials can be processed and used again. Once the package enters the recycling stream, it is broken down into raw materials and sold to manufacturers. One potential downside of recyclable packaging is that the benefits are dependent on the consumer actually recycling the package, and knowing where to recycle the package.
Lastly, compostable packaging is packaging that breaks down completely in a compost site and leaves no toxic residue. In order for a plastic to be called compostable, it must biodegrade, or break down into carbon dioxide, water, or biomass at the same rate as cellulose (paper). One potential downside of compostable packaging is that not all consumers have access to industrial composting facilities.
The Benefits of PCR Packaging
While all eco-friendly packaging options are a step in the right direction for brands looking to be more sustainable, PCR packaging, in particular, has some benefits that are worth discussing.
In general, PCR films are a great packaging option for brands looking for eco-friendly flexible packaging, and can be developed into stand up pouches, lay flat pouches, and rollstock. These films can be used in most industries including confection, coffee, baked goods, snacks, pharmaceuticals, herbal remedies, pet treats, and sports nutrition.
PCR packaging also matches the quality of regular flexible packaging. PCR film can offer the same level of protection, barrier performance, and strength as regular plastic film. You can rest assured knowing that PCR film will still block light, oxygen, and other gases from penetrating the package layer and getting into your product.
Lastly, and quite possibly the most obvious benefit, is that using PCR material can help your company reduce its carbon footprint, lessen its impact on landfills, and meet its overall sustainability goals.
The best part? PCR packaging is a great option for brands who want to offer a sustainable solution for consumers, with no requirements or actions needed on the consumer end, unlike recyclable and compostable packaging.
Finding a PCR Packaging Partner
What Is PCR Plastic and Why Is It a Good Solution for Sustainable Packaging?
Responsibly sourced, sustainable packaging has been at the heart of our philosophy from the beginning.
Our dedication to leaving a lighter footprint on our planet means we have an ongoing commitment to sourcing pioneering sustainable packaging materials. Whether it's our signature glass bottles, made from recyclable glass sourced in HongKong, or our innovative refill system made from 75% post-consumer material (rHDPE), we work hard to ensure every element of our packaging is sustainable as possible. Join us on our sustainable journey and learn how our PCR plastic and sustainable innovations are kinder for our Earth.
What does PCR stand for?
PCR stands for Post-Consumer Recycled material or Post-Consumer Resin. These are recycled plastics referred to as rPET (Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate), rPP (Recycled Polypropylene Plastic) and rHDPE (Recycled High-Density Polythene).
What is PCR plastic?
PCR plastic is made from recycled plastic that can be widely recycled and then reprocessed into a resin, used to create new packaging. Giving packaging a second life, this process reduces the amount of plastic waste.
How is PCR plastic made?
Plastic waste is collected and colour-absorbed, then shredded into fine granules. These are then melted down and reprocessed into new plastic.
What are the benefits of PCR plastic?
Many benefits come with using PCR plastic. This type of plastic is less wasteful than new plastic, as a reduced amount of waste is produced and collected, creating less waste in landfills and water sources. PCR plastic also reduces your carbon footprint for a more positive impact on our Earth.
Does PCR plastic have disadvantages/limits?
During each recycling process, the materials can begin to lose their substance/quality, which is why there are high-grade recyclates and low-grade recyclates. As well as this, not all PCR plastic can be recycled, depending on its use.
Can PCR plastic be recycled?
Yes, PCR plastic is recyclable depending on how it is used.
How many times can PCR plastic be recycled?
PCR plastic is a circular material, so it can be recycled after use. You can safely recycle PCR plastic approximately seven-to-nine times.
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Is PCR plastic biodegradable?
No, PCR plastic is not biodegradable. Biodegradable packaging naturally breaks down into non-toxic component substances once consigned to a compost heap. PCR packaging has already achieved the goal of sustainability before the consumer even purchases it, with no need for further reprocessing.
What is the difference between PCR and other eco-friendly packaging?
There are many different eco-friendly packaging options out there, such as recyclable packaging and biodegradable packaging. When looking at recyclable or recycled plastic, recyclable plastic needs to be a 'one material plastic' and not a mixture of different plastics to be considered 100% recyclable. For example, if you have a refill packaging with a cap-closure and this cap is made from another plastic, it would not be considered 100% recyclable. For this reason, we created our unique capless design, reducing the number of plastic materials needed and ensuring the packaging is 100% recyclable. Additionally, our secondary packaging uses 100% recyclable paper.
Our 100% Recyclable Refill System
We recently launched our 100% recyclable refill bottles for our best-selling 250ml cleansing products: Purifying Cleansing Gel, Hair & Body Wash, Invigorating Hair & Body Wash, Hand Soap, Soothing Cleansing Milk and Soothing Toner. Each recyclable refill not only helps reduce landfill waste, but also cuts carbon emissions by 69%. Made from 75% post-consumer material, it is 60% lighter than standard plastic bottles making it our most environmentally friendly packaging ever. We believe that sustainability is a never-ending journey and promise to continue to explore opportunities to reduce our environmental impact in the long run. We are committed to this philosophy and plan to expand our scope by adding more products to our refill system.
Our Multi-Protection Mist
Our Multi-Protection Mist is made from 100% recycled post-consumer material and is packaged in FSC-certified paper that is fully recyclable. Embracing our commitment to sustainable manufacturing, this is the next step towards even more sustainable product design.
Innovations in recent years have enabled plastics to be much more sustainable than in the past, and using post consumer recycled resin is a major contributor to that effort.
What Is Post Consumer Recycled Resin?
Post consumer recycled resin (PCR resin) is a material made from recycled plastic, such as water and beverage bottles and other packaging. It offers a more sustainable source for making packaging films, containers, sheets, and many of the products that would otherwise be developed with virgin plastic resin. PCR resins meet requirements and regulations for food, pharmaceutical, medical, electronics, and general retail packaging, making them suitable for nearly any packaging need.
Benefits of Using PCR Resin
PCR resin enables manufacturers to make the same high-quality products at competitive prices with less environmental impact. PCR resins can include multiple types of recycled materials, and can meet or exceed your needs in size, color, finish, and performance while meeting all necessary functional and regulatory requirements. Using PCR resin:
Lowers the amount of plastic being sent to landfills (4,800 16-ounce plastic bottles equal about a cubic yard of landfill space)
Shrinks your carbon footprint (traditional plastics production produces nearly 900 million tons of carbon dioxide each year)
Reduces the need to create new plastics from non-renewable petroleum products
Limits negative effects of plastics on the environment
Lowers amount of energy needed to produce new plastics (recycling a pound of PET plastic instead of making new can save up to 12,000 BTUs)
Satisfies environmentally conscious customers
Promotes your compliance with industry regulations
Challenges With PCR Resin
When plastics are recycled, they need to be properly sorted by type and thoroughly cleaned before being processed into new plastic flakes, pellets, or powder for reuse as PCR resin. Occasionally, despite using materials sourced from reputable recyclers, there are some impurities in the PCR resin, which can show up as specks or discolored spots in the finished products. While acquiring good quality PCR resin can present some difficulties, taking advantage of recyclable plastics is a crucial step in protecting the environment.
PCR Materials From Integrated Packaging Films
At Integrated Packaging Films, we believe in the importance of using sustainable materials and practices while maintaining the highest quality packaging materials and superior customer service. The PCR resins we use for custom extrusion projects include:
APET (Amorphous Polyethylene Terephthalate):
A safe, crystal-clear, lightweight polyester resin. Most of the PET plastic you see is APET except some PET formulations for higher temperature uses. &#;Amorphous&#; indicates the alignment of the polymers.
RPET (Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate):
This is polyester PET plastic but made of 100% recycled materials and sourced from used, fully cleaned PET packaging.
PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol-Modified):
A softer, slightly more flexible variety of PET plastic. It&#;s a fully recyclable and food-safe plastic that&#;s excellent for making clear sheets and is well suited to die cutting and printing for signs and displays.
PP (Polypropylene):
Clear, durable, fully recyclable, and chemically resistant, PP is popular for shrink films and blow-molded, rigid packaging.
With our state-of-the-art equipment, we offer the combination of material choice, color, size, and finish to match your specific requirements and provide regulatory and industrial compliance. We can use PCR resin for:
Packaging films
Sheets, including print-grade cut sheets
Custom plastic extrusion: for rigid film, sheets, and custom parts and products
Packaging materials, including heavy gauge thermoformable primary packaging materials
Custom plastic coating: including denesting and antistatic coatings
With decades of experience and a commitment to quick turnaround, on-time delivery, and superior customer satisfaction, we look forward to discussing your plastic film and sheet needs. Contact us today to learn more.
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