We are proud to work with so many customers who share our vision for a circular economy and believe in the importance of minimising virgin raw materials in packaging.
We are a major supporter and consumer of post-consumer recycled materials. Any polypropylene product we make can be made using PCR resin.
Not only are they one of the most effective ways to meet sustainability goals, but their use also makes packaging as efficient, effective and high-quality as those made from virgin resin.
Demand for PCR products continues to grow, but not everyone fully understands the process or benefits.
Here are some things you need to know:
What exactly is PCR?
PCR stands for Post-Consumer Recycled Materials. In a nutshell, that’s all we put into the recycling bin. That means all cans, plastic bottles and paper materials absorbed by local recycling programs.
Recycling facilities can then remove the recycled polypropylene items and sell them to companies that can process, melt and grind the material into small particles. It’s these particles that we can use to create entirely new consumer, food-safe packaging without having to rely on virgin resin.
Products made from PCR resins traditionally result in grey due to the wide variation in color of recycled material. This is why most PCR products you see today are black or gray.
Why is the polymerase chain reaction important?
Now more than ever, consumers and producers need to take more environmental responsibility from each other. It’s important that those committed to recycling see that the effort is worthwhile and can inspire more people to do the same.
It is logical and crucial to normalize efforts to create entirely new packages from PCR resins. Increasing the use of PCR and reducing the need for virgin materials will only help us advance the recycling infrastructure in this country and allow us to have a greater, more positive impact on the environment.
What are the benefits of switching to PCR-based packaging?
Reduced Environmental Impact – Using recycled materials will help you create more sustainable packaging, minimize waste and emissions, and reduce your overall carbon footprint.
Give consumers what they want – Consumers demand more sustainable practices from companies and are generally willing to pay higher prices for products that reflect their values.
Demonstrate your commitment – A functioning, thriving circular economy will require PCR to lead the way, showing other organizations and consumers what it can do. Being on the leading edge will help raise the profile of your organization and show others that you take sustainability seriously.
Over the past few years, we’ve seen the development of a process that allows PCR material to be used in FDA-approved recyclable food packaging. So now that we are finally starting to see more food products on the shelf in post-consumer plastic packaging, this is a huge win for the environment and for all of us working to make the circular economy a reality.
This is just the beginning for us as we continue to develop new products and forge partnerships with customers who are investing in the future of sustainable food packaging.