What Are PCR Plastics And How Are They Used?
Post-consumer recycled(PCR) is an
environmentally friendly packaging option that many manufacturers are using to support recycling programs, consumer needs, and reduce its impact on landfills.
PCR plastics are recycled materials from existing PET bottles and other plastics. These materials are recycled into other packaging materials through community recycling programs. With an estimated 30 billion bottles of water sold annually in the United States, there is an urgent need to increase the use of
PCR materials to produce new products.
How to use PCR? In some cases, the plastic can't be recycled into new bottles without first adding new raw materials, because the plastic may not be strong enough to make new containers. But there are newer, more creative ways to create new, see-through plastic bottles without using raw materials.
Some bottle manufacturers are able to combine recycled PET and HDPE plastics, which are recycled. The plastic is cleaned and granulated before being reprocessed into food-safe, FDA-approved plastic bottles.
Flimsy plastic can also be downgraded to other forms of plastic packaging and still save the environment from harmful plastic waste.
What are the benefits of PCR? PCR plastics are made from plastics we already have, which are both economical and environmentally friendly. By using something we're already trying to get rid of in order to protect the planet, manufacturers get an affordable packaging option.
Reprocessing existing plastics uses less energy and fossil fuels. Overall, the environment has been saved from excessive pollution and waste of resources, and manufacturers are still able to produce viable, durable new plastic bottles.
PCR is also an off-the-shelf material with plenty of opportunities to improve community recycling programs while providing a steady supply of recycled products.
Who is using PCR ? The Plastics Recycling Association has been working hard to increase demand for PCR plastics across North America. They launched an initiative to encourage product manufacturers to use more PCR in bottling and packaging supplies.
- hutch
- target
- Procter & Gamble
- Keurig green mountain
- Coca-Cola North America
These companies are leading the growth in demand for PCR and helping to ensure the future use of recycled materials in many different products.
To learn more about the use and availability of PCR, discuss cost-effective plastic bottle and container options with an O.Berk packaging expert. Our experienced team is committed to helping you find the most effective packaging solution for your production operations. They can also provide you with additional information on sustainable, responsible packaging alternatives.
(PCR) is a type of recycled plastic made from discarded items such as plastic milk and beverage bottles. Post-consumer recycled (PCR) is an environmentally sustainable solution that reuses disposable materials that would otherwise be disposed of in landfills.
PCR production starts with collecting and sorting these waste plastics for commercial and residential recycling projects. Recycled items are ground, washed, dried and granulated -- ready to be used again in future production.
What are the advantages of PCR? Customers can increase PCR levels in packaging up to 100%. The minimum amount of 10% can be handled. Increasing the level of PCR provides a greater sustainable solution, especially for customers looking to take advantage of the recycling benefits of recyclable content in their product packaging.
What are the benefits of PCR?
- PCR reduces virgin plastic consumption
- PCR recycles plastics, such as disposable items
- PCR has greatly reduced landfills
- PCR can be recycled again for new production
- PCR plastics do not require further use of new fossil fuels
- Use PCR packaging to help brand owners; Show consumers that they care about the environmental impact of product packaging
- Using post-consumer resins helps build a circular economy.
