Is PCR (Post-Consumer Recycled Material) a Good Fit for Your ...

What is Post-Consumer Recycled Material?

Post-consumer recycled materials, also called PCR, are materials made from various recycled goods, such as aluminum, plastic items, cardboard, paper, and more. Post-consumer recycled plastics are referred to by several names, including rPET (Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate), rHDPE (Recycled High-Density Polythene), and rPP (Recycled Polypropylene Plastic). These materials are used to produce a wide range of products, including packaging.

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The process of producing PCR plastic begins when a consumer recycles an item. After a local recycling program picks up the item, it is shipped to a facility where it is sorted into bales. The bales are then purchased and ground or melted into small pellets that are able to be molded into new products.

The Importance of Sustainability in Product Design and Manufacturing

In recent years, consumers, regulatory bodies, and other governing agencies have been placing an increased focus on sustainability. Companies that adopt eco-conscious packaging make a stronger appeal to customers and improve their public perception. Transitioning to post-consumer recycled content in packaging helps companies achieve their sustainability goals without sacrificing quality or costs.

What Are the Benefits of Using PCR in Product Manufacturing?

Using post-consumer recycled content in product manufacturing is just as beneficial to companies as it is to the environment. Some of the most significant benefits you can expect include:

• Reduced carbon footprint. PCR significantly lowers a company’s overall carbon footprint, since it uses significantly less energy than extracting raw materials. Even after factoring in the energy costs of material collection, recycling, and remanufacturing, PCR results in a drastically lower carbon footprint than producing new plastic materials.
• Less waste in landfills and water sources. Non-recyclable items cause huge landfills that may contaminate the soil with toxins. They also frequently end up in rivers and oceans, endangering wildlife and contributing to pollution. Adopting PCR packaging reduces your contribution to these problems.
• Better usage of petroleum. Our planet’s supply of petroleum is limited. When companies adopt PCR packaging, they’re helping those limited resources last longer.
• Appeal to eco-conscious customers. With consumers placing greater value on sustainability, eco-conscious packaging is frequently the deciding factor between two competing products. Adopting sustainable packaging can give companies an edge over their competition.
• High-quality packaging. PCR packaging delivers the same level of protection and strength as non-environmentally friendly options. PCR film blocks oxygen, light, and gases from penetrating the packaging layer while looking attractive and eye-catching.

Material Considerations for Post-Consumer Recycled Content for Your Application

When selecting eco-conscious packaging, there are a number of PCR materials to choose from. Each type features unique characteristics that make it suitable for different industries. The most common PCR packaging materials include polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyethylene terephthalate.

Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)

Commonly referred to as PET, polyethylene terephthalate is a transparent, lightweight, and durable material that’s most commonly used for water and gas barrier-related applications. For example, many types of beverages and food packages are made from PET. Virtually all carbonated soft drinks and bottled waters sold in the U.S. are made from this material.

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PET is FDA-approved for contact with food and beverages. Numerous studies and testing have demonstrated its safety for all types of products that will be consumed, including pharmaceuticals and medical applications.

Polyethylene (PE)

Polyethylene features excellent sealing properties and serves as a great water barrier. There are several types of PE, each with its own unique characteristics:

• Low-density polyethylene (LDPE): A flexible material with flow properties that make it well suited for plastic film applications, like shopping bags. LDPE is highly ductile with low tensile strength. It stretches when strained, which is why it’s used to produce plastic wrap, bread and sandwich bags, garbage bags, and other similar products.
• Linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE): Similar to LDPE but is easily altered by adjusting the formula to achieve varying performance characteristics. It is also less energy-intensive to produce than LDPE.
• High-density polyethylene (HDPE): A moderately stiff plastic material, HDPE is used to create more robust products, like laundry detergent containers, cutting boards, garbage bins, and other products.
• Ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW): An extremely dense type of polyethylene, UHMW can be spun into threads that feature a greater tensile strength than steel. It is used in high-wear applications, like tubes, silos, liners, containers, and other types of equipment.

Polypropylene (PP)

As a thermoplastic material, PP can be melted, chilled, and reheated repeatedly without drastic deterioration. It is commonly used as a substitute for cellophane and paper due to its flexibility and low cost. PP is used in the automotive industry to produce door trims, bumpers, and batteries. It is also used to create beverage cups, bottles, pallets, and many other products.

Challenges of Post-Consumer Recycled Content

Although PCR offers a host of advantages that make it a beneficial material for packaging products, it can pose various challenges, including:

• Limited manufacturers that are approved by the FDA
• Lack of resources
• Lower availability as the demand and requirements for PCR increase
• Difficult to remove small contaminants or particles, resulting in black specks in the resin
• Not all products can utilize PCR
• There is a lot of fake PCR in the market

Because of these challenges, it is especially important to partner with a manufacturer who has the proper resources, certifications, and processes to deliver quality PCR packaging that meets your needs. At E2Global, we have several years of experience working with post-consumer recycled resin and can work with you to create custom recyclable packaging based on your requirements.

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

Post-Consumer Recycled Plastic From E2Global