Post Consumer Recycled Plastic | Recycling Your Packaging

What Is Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) Plastic?

In a world that is increasingly aware of the importance of responsible consumption and recycled items, packaging materials are more relevant than ever. Not only can the right materials help protect the planet and prevent the climate from worsening, but by choosing certain materials you can help your brand perception and gain favorability amongst your customers.

When it comes to flexible packaging options, you may have heard of recyclable or compostable packaging, but a newer trend is emerging. Post consumer recycled (PCR) plastic has made it into the mainstream. But what exactly is it, and how does it compare to other sustainable packing options?

When you chug a plastic water bottle, get food in a to-go container, or rip open a new gadget from its plastic shell, one of two things will happen.  

Either the plastic is thrown away if it isn’t made from a type of material that can be recycled (or the consumer chooses not to recycle it), or it is recycled and brought to a facility. Here, the materials are sorted, melted, and reformed into something new.

So post consumer plastics takes recycled plastic, breaks them down, and turns them into a new product that can be used once again. One of the most common uses for this is packaging.

The plastics market size is undoubtedly huge. With so many options, it’s important to evaluate the advantages of PCR packaging. This way, you can ensure you are taking care to make a good choice for your products, containers, and material needs.

Because the materials are already made, there are typically no fossil fuels used to create these films. Additionally, because they are post-consumer recycled material, they help contribute to a circular economy. This means that something is made, used, returned, and used again. In theory, this circle can continue forever, creating far less waste and avoiding the landfill for as long as possible.

Not only does PCR reduce environmental harm, but it also retains the same level of quality and durability as alternatives. Therefore, you can have peace of mind when choosing this option. Another great benefit is that it shows corporate responsibility and creates good public relations for your brands. Finally, it takes the burden off of the consumer to recycle plastics in order to help the environment.

All of the wins are great, but unfortunately, PCR plastic isn’t perfect. Because of the complicated process of recycling and creating new materials from pre-existing ones, it can be energy-intensive and difficult to re-recycle. Therefore, once post-consumer recycled products are used, it tends to be the end of their lifespan and they do need to be thrown out.