What is Post-Consumer Recycled Content (PCR)?
Post-consumer recycled content (PCR) is the general term for materials made from recycled products that have already been used by consumers. These products may include cardboard boxes, paper, aluminum, plastic bottles, glass, and more.
Local recycling programs collect materials from consumers and then ship them to recycling facilities for sorting. Manufacturers purchase and melt or grind the sorted materials into small pellets before molding them into new items.
6 Types of PCR Packaging：
PET Bottles
Cardboard Boxes
HDPE Containers
Glass Packaging
Aluminum Cans
Paperboard Boxes
What is PCR Plastic Packaging?
Post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic packaging is increasingly recognized as a sustainable choice in the cosmetic manufacturing industry. This type of plastic packaging is made from materials recycled products that consumers have used, recycled, and reprocessed, making it an environmentally friendly option. As more brands seek to reduce their environmental impact, PCR plastic packaging offers a practical solution without sacrificing quality or visual appeal.
PCR stands for Post-Consumer Recycled material (also termed as Post Consumer Recyclate or Post Consumer Resin), and generally refers to plastics such as PET, PP and HDPE which are widely recycled and then reprocessed into a resin that is used to make new packaging. In simple terms, it means pieces of plastic packaging (or other plastic items) which are being ground up after use, and given a second life.
How is PCR plastic made?
PCR material is made through a process that involves collecting used plastic items, sorting them by type and color, cleaning them, and then shredding them into small pieces. From there, the small plastic pieces are melted into small pellets which can be used to manufacture new products such as packaging.
Plastic waste collection
Sorting them by type and color,
Washing
Shredding them into small pieces
Extrusion and Pelletizing
PCR Packaging production
Different Types of PCR Plastics
Several varieties of PCR plastic exist, chosen based on what they’re used for, their physical characteristics, and how well they can be recycled. Knowing the different types of PCR plastic helps designers and manufacturers pick the right material for eco-friendly production.
The most popular types are:
PCR PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate): Shows up in drink bottles, packaging films, and containers.
PCR HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene): Found in personal care and household product packaging.
PCR PP (Polypropylene): Often seen in bottle caps, car parts, and molded containers.
PCR LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene): Used for shopping bags and flexible films.
What are the benefits of PCR Packaging?
Explore the diverse advantages that PCR packaging offers, from reducing carbon footprints and conserving resources to fostering corporate social responsibility and gaining a competitive edge in the market. PCR material is one of the most recognized sustainability standard now. A well-executed sustainability story can attract positive press, increase sales, and strengthen brand loyalty. Using this material makes brand easily develop reliable sustainable product such as PCR skincare bottles.
- Cost savings
- Competitive advantage
- Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
- Reduced carbon footprint
- Resource conservation
- Promotes circular economy
Is there quality risk for PCR material?
No risk, all PCR material passed the same strict quality tests as virgin plastic at professional 3rd party testing institutes (e.g. TUV, SGS) and we also do complete function test in each project to check for the risk of malfunction. Kindly contact us to get certificates and test reports, such as MSDS.
How much proportion of PCR plastic can be added in packaging?
Perhaps 100% isn’t available for some components or does not fit your project sometimes, but every action taken to replace virgin material with PCR during the production process — whether it is 100% or even 10% — is a step in the right direction.
We are able to offer bottles which are made entirely of 100 % PCR material, making it an environment-friendly choice for packaging. According to the type, design and usage of packaging, we can recommend suitable PCR percentage in order to be as sustainable as possible, while keeping the quality and functionality in good position.
What packaging categories can PCR plastic material apply to?
PCR plastic material can be turned into beauty packaging same as virgin plastic. Thanks to our self-owned thousands of stock components, you could find all packaging categories made from PCR in one stop. As one of the leading skin care packaging suppliers, Jakiro’s PCR packaging includes PCR jar, PCR bottle, airless skincare packaging, dispenser(such as cosmetic oil dispenser), deodorant stick and more.
Full customizations for any component color and print are available. You can choose the right colors and decorating processes to create an eye-catching, powerful, impactful designs for PCR packaging.
