A Guide To Post-Consumer Recycled Content: From Waste To Valuable Resource

In this modern era where sustainability has become indispensable. It is not a choice now. Despite massive global recycling efforts, it is in high demand to be discussed and requires actions to minimize global landfills and reduce environmental impact.

In 2020, the global direct cost of waste management was estimated at $252 billion. Municipal solid waste (MSW) generation is predicted to grow from $2.1 billion tonnes in 2023 to $3.8 billion tonnes by 2050. (source: unep.org).

Many companies are exploring innovations, methods, and techniques to lower this number. They are determined to take every possible step to promote sustainability and aim to focus on a circular economy model to reduce waste and make the most of available resources.

In these sustainability efforts, the rising option is post consumer recycled content (PCR) which refers to the material used in the products that have been recovered from the waste, reprocessed, and reintroduced to the public for reuse.

Keep scrolling to learn about PCR packaging, its basics, and its benefits. Here you go!

What is Post Consumer Recycled Content

PCR refers to the materials that have been recycled from the products. The items can be paper packaging, plastic bottles, and paper products you throw in the bins.

These solid wastes are collected from the bins by local municipal recycling programs. After processing, it is turned into a new product and ready to be used again.

This way PCR helps reduce waste, conserve natural resources, and minimize the environmental impact of creating new materials.

Produce > Use > End of life > Recycle > Reuse

Post Consumer Waste (PCW)

PCW means plastic waste or garbage produced by the consumer and discarded after use. These PCR materials include toilet paper,  plastic bottles, cardboard boxes, and other items that are disposed of when consumers throw them in the bucket after use.

Post-consumer waste has a greater contribution to the environment than recycled materials. According to EPA, paper waste has the highest recycling rate (68%) compared to other waste. 

It happens because consumers drink water throw those bottles in the bin. Newspaper is another example that consumers leave after reading. They go to waste.

PCW can benefit us in many ways as it helps reduce landfill waste, polution and conserve natural resources. Not only this, it promotes curricular economy. So, show respect to nature and contribute in saving the planet.

How Does PCR Packaging Differ From Compostable and Recyclable Packaging

PCR, compostable, and recyclable packaging: they are sustainable. Agree? YES. Instead of decomposing these types of packaging, you can reuse, recycle, and compost them. But how? What’s the difference between them? They differ from each other in material, manufacturing process, and life cycle. Let’s clear it. 

What Are The Pros Of PCR Packaging

PCR also known as post-consumer recycled or post-consumer resin is undoubtedly an eco-friendly and sustainable packaging option. However, it serves many benefits to industries like food, pharmaceuticals and sports.

• PCR reduces plastic waste which in turn enhances environmental plastic packaging impact and entices eco-conscious consumers.
• PCR allows packaging manufacturers to produce the highest quality products like the purest plastic products from a raw material at economical rates to reduce minimal environmental impact. The PCR plastic type is matched with the regular plastic film to offer strength and protection.
• PCR packaging restricts light, oxygen, and other gasses and it does not let the quality down inside the package.
• Post consumer recycled packaging is suitable for food contact if it is manufactured under the FDA guidelines.

What Are The Cons of PCR Packaging

• The reheating process while creating PCR recycling plastic can affect its durability, colors, and quality, depending upon the plastic material or resin from which it is being produced. This is because the dark properties of PCR plastic do not match the aesthetics and leave a bad impression on consumers.
• The process of collecting, cleaning, and processing recycled plastic material manufacturing makes this packaging more expensive.
• PCR packaging is not biodegradable as it breaks down in microplastic over time.

To Sum Up

Have you set your sustainability goals and are seeking a PCR packaging manufacturer near you? Stop by Custom Product Packaging, we are producing PCR pouches and custom packaging meeting your needs.

Let’s get connected. Our packaging experts are here to bring innovative ideas to support your sustainability vision. Ready to partner with us? Call us now or email us at order@customproductpackaging.com. Your questions will be promptly answered.