Post Consumer Recycled Plastic (Ultimate Guide)

In today&#;s environmentally conscious world, businesses and consumers alike are making a concerted effort to reduce their environmental impact. One powerful way to achieve this goal is by embracing post-consumer recycled plastic (PCR) in packaging. In this comprehensive guide, we&#;ll explore what post-consumer recycled plastic is, how it can help you reduce your environmental footprint, its rising popularity, the manufacturing process, pros and cons, versatile applications, and how it differs from recyclable and compostable packaging. Discover the unique benefits of PCR packaging, the challenges in recycling post-consumer plastics, and why Bison Bag is your ideal partner for PCR packaging solutions.

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What is Post-Consumer Recycled Plastic (PCR)?

Post-consumer recycled plastic, often abbreviated as PCR, is a sustainable material derived from plastic products that consumers have used and discarded. Unlike traditional plastic, which is made from virgin materials, PCR is produced by collecting, cleaning, and processing plastic items such as bottles, containers, and packaging that have completed their intended lifecycle. These materials are then transformed into new products, including flexible packaging, which is the focus of our discussion.

Reducing Environmental Impact with PCR Packaging

Embracing PCR packaging is a meaningful step towards reducing your environmental impact. Here&#;s why:

Resource Conservation: PCR reduces the demand for new plastic production, conserving valuable resources such as petroleum. This, in turn, reduces greenhouse gas emissions associated with the extraction and processing of raw materials.

Energy Efficiency: Creating PCR plastic typically requires less energy compared to manufacturing virgin plastic. This leads to lower carbon emissions and a smaller carbon footprint.

Waste Reduction: Utilizing post-consumer recycled plastic diverts plastic waste from landfills and the environment, helping to combat plastic pollution.

Circular Economy: PCR promotes a circular economy, where plastic materials are continuously recycled and reused, reducing the need for virgin plastic production.

Rising Popularity of PCR: A Choice for Savvy Shoppers and Corporations

In recent years, PCR packaging has gained popularity for several compelling reasons:

Consumer Demand: Savvy shoppers are increasingly seeking eco-friendly and sustainable products. Using PCR packaging demonstrates a commitment to sustainability that resonates with environmentally conscious consumers.

Corporate Responsibility: Major consumer packaged goods companies are recognizing the importance of sustainability in their brand image. Adopting PCR packaging aligns with corporate social responsibility goals and can attract environmentally aware consumers.

Regulatory Pressure: Governments worldwide are implementing stricter regulations on single-use plastics and encouraging the use of recycled materials. PCR packaging helps companies comply with these regulations.

How PCR Plastic is Made

The production of post-consumer recycled plastic involves several key steps:

Collection: Plastic items such as bottles, containers, and packaging are collected from recycling programs, curbside bins, and other sources.

Sorting: These collected items are sorted based on plastic type and color to ensure a uniform material stream.

Cleaning: The sorted plastics are thoroughly cleaned to remove contaminants like labels, caps, and food residue.

Shredding: The cleaned plastic is then shredded into small pieces or flakes.

Melting and Reprocessing: The shredded plastic is melted and reprocessed into pellets or resin, which can be used to manufacture various products, including flexible packaging.

Diverse Applications of Post-Consumer Recycled Plastic

PCR plastic is incredibly versatile and can be used in various applications, including but not limited to:

Flexible Packaging: PCR is ideal for creating eco-friendly flexible packaging solutions, such as bags, pouches, and wrappers.

Bottles and Containers: PCR is commonly used in the production of bottles for beverages, cosmetics, and cleaning products, as well as containers for food and non-food items.

Textiles: Recycled plastic fibers derived from PCR are used to make sustainable textiles, including clothing, bags, and upholstery.

Construction Materials: PCR can be incorporated into building materials like composite decking, roofing tiles, and insulation.

PCR vs. Recyclable and Compostable Packaging

It&#;s important to distinguish between these different eco-friendly packaging options:

PCR Packaging: Made from post-consumer recycled plastic, PCR packaging reduces the demand for new plastic production and minimizes waste.

The company is the world’s best pcr plastic recycling company supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

Recyclable Packaging: Recyclable packaging can be recycled after use but is often made from virgin materials. While it reduces waste, it does not directly promote the reuse of existing plastic.

Compostable Packaging: Compostable packaging is designed to break down into organic matter in specific composting conditions. While it&#;s a sustainable option, it requires specific disposal methods and may not be suitable for all products.

The Benefits of PCR Packaging

PCR packaging offers several unique benefits:

Sustainability: PCR supports a circular economy by reusing existing plastic materials.

Environmental Impact Reduction: It conserves resources, reduces energy consumption, and lowers carbon emissions.

Brand Image Enhancement: Demonstrates a commitment to sustainability, appealing to eco-conscious consumers.

Regulatory Compliance: Helps companies adhere to evolving environmental regulations.

Finding a PCR Packaging Partner: Why Choose Bison Bag

When it comes to PCR packaging solutions, choosing the right partner is crucial. Bison Bag, based in Lockport, NY, stands out as a top choice for several reasons:

Expertise: With years of experience in the packaging industry, Bison Bag has a deep understanding of PCR materials and their applications.

Quality Assurance: Bison Bag maintains stringent quality control standards to ensure that your PCR packaging meets the highest quality and safety standards.

Sustainability Commitment: Bison Bag is dedicated to sustainability, offering a range of PCR packaging options to help your business reduce its environmental footprint.

Customization: Bison Bag can tailor PCR packaging solutions to meet your specific needs, whether it&#;s for food, retail, or industrial applications.

Innovation: The company stays at the forefront of packaging technology, providing innovative solutions that align with your sustainability goals.

What is PCR Packaging?

PCR, short for post-consumer resin (post-consumer recycled), is an environment-friendly packaging option that is made from recycled plastics, most commonly PET and HDPE plastic products. Instead of being sent to a local landfill, used items such as bottles, milk jugs, buckets, and industrial products like IBC totes and polydrums can be broken down, melted and reconstructed to make a resin material that&#;s then added to create a new product&#;PCR packaging.

PCR packaging is used to propel a continuous cycle of creating various "new" products with used recycled plastics. In addition, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), post-consumer recycled production reduces the reliance of fossil fuels as well as raw materials for its formulation in comparison to virgin resin products.

Pros of PCR Packaging

• The recycled resin reduces the amount of waste that is landfilled and reduces the use of fossil fuels which, in turn, improves the environmental impact of plastic packaging. PCR packaging appeals to eco-conscious consumers, and, studies suggest that people, particularly generations Gen Z and millennials, are committed to having a positive impact on the environment, indicating PCR plastics are the way of the future.
• PCR allows manufacturers to produce high-quality products like a virgin resin product would at competitive prices while reducing their environmental impact. The grade of PCR plastics is equally matched with regular plastic film in terms of protection, performance, and strength. Post-consumer resin blocks light, oxygen, and other gases from seeping into the package.
• PCR packaging can be suitable for food-contact use if it meets the FDA Guidelines.
• These plastics decrease carbon footprints (the total amount of greenhouse gases produced by our actions).

Cons of PCR Packaging

• The required reheating process in creating PCR plastics can alter the color and clarity of the product depending on the amount of resin that is added. This process does not hinder the function or durability of the bottle. Manufacturers can shy away from using post-consumer resin because the dark properties of the bottle do not fit the aesthetic they want to portray for their packaging.
• Benefits of PCR plastic are dependent on the consumer recycling their products.
• Price of manufacturing is contingent on the amount of plastics recycled.

How Is PCR Used?

After consumers recycle their products, recycling plants sort the bottles according to their plastic type. Because PET and HDPE plastics are most commonly used to manufacture PCR products, these plastics are collected, washed and broken down into resin pellets. The resulting pellets are then reheated, molded and formed into new plastic containers.

PCR can be added in percentages ranging from 10% to 100% along with virgin plastic depending on the manufacturer's preference.

If post-consumer resin is used to manufacture a plastic bottle, a higher percentage can impact transparency and color. Some companies choose to incorporate less PCR in their products and more virgin resin so the material can retain the look of virgin resin. For example, if a product is composed of 25% PCR and 75% virgin resin material, then the product will look more like a virgin bottle. Additionally, many PCR plastic bottles are typically intended for products that do not require transparent packaging.

What is Virgin Resin?

Virgin resin is the term for new and unused plastic resin without any recycled products to generate an original product. Due to its clean appearance and stable nature, virgin resin is heavily used to produce a wide variety of plastic products.

PIR or PCR? Reprocessed vs Recycled

PIR, or post-industrial resin, is reworked plastic produced in the manufacturing process. PIR consists of grinded resins that were collected either from extra scrap parts during the molding stage of production or finished products that did not pass the quality control standards of the original product. Despite never being used before, the material is not considered virgin because it has been put through a second reheating process.

PIR products have not reached the consumer whereas PCR products include used material that's already reached the consumer and returned.

While PIR is reprocessed resin, PCR is made of used and recycled resin. Like PCR packaging, PIR also helps decrease the amount of plastic sent to landfills as well as reduce the demand for raw materials.

Is PCR Packaging Biodegradable?

The term biodegradable is defined as the length of time it takes for plastic to fully break down and degrade by the consumption of living microorganisms such as fungi and bacteria. While PCR is a more environmentally friendly option (in comparison to virgin resin) since it's made from recycled plastic, according to The Federal Trade Commission's Green Guides, the plastic itself is not biodegradable unless it is decomposed within a year of being disposed of in landfills, incinerators and recycling plants.

How Can We Help?

If you wish to explore other eco-friendly packaging alternatives from PCR packaging to glass containers, our packaging experts can assist with finding the best product to meet your requirements. Contact us today to discuss your packaging needs!

If you want to learn more, please visit our website pcr plastic pros and cons.