What is PCR (Post-Consumer Recycled) Material?

Post-consumer recycled material, or PCR for short, is made from everyday items like aluminum, cardboard boxes, paper, and plastic bottles. The consumer-used materials are typically collected by local recycling programs, then shipped to recycling facilities. The recycling facility will then sort, wash, and break down the material into resin pellets. Those pellets are reheated, molded, and formed into a new PCR product. Depending on the manufacturer's preference, PCR material can be added to virgin materials in percentages ranging from 10% to 100%.

What makes PCR material different?

When discussing sustainable options, recyclable, compostable, and PCR items are at the top of the list. But what distinguishes these items?

Recyclable items can be processed to be used again; they are broken down into raw materials and then sold to manufacturers to make new recycled products. There are certainly benefits to this option, but it is highly dependent on the consumer to know where to recycle and to follow through with recycling; not to mention, recycling is not readily available in all areas.

Compostable items are meant to break down, or biodegrade, entirely on a compost site within a certain amount of time, leaving no toxic residue behind. Though this option has many benefits, it depends on the consumer to know where and how to send their compostable items to an industrial composting facility.

PCR items are manufactured with resin made from recycled materials, so it re-uses previously consumed items. In general, items made with post-consumer recycled materials cannot be recycled again since they are already made from recycled materials. However, this option has the benefit of not relying on the consumer to recycle or compost the product after use.

Why PCR?

As mentioned, PCR’s main benefit is that it is already a sustainable option without requiring extra steps on the part of the consumer. Another benefit to choosing PCR material is that it offers the same high quality you’d expect from regular material in terms of protection, performance, and strength. Using PCR material also helps companies to reduce their carbon footprint, lessen the impact on landfills, and meet overall sustainability goals.

Some potential downsides to using PCR material are the cost and look of the product. The price of products made with PCR material depends on the amount of materials recycled and the sources of those materials. The reheating process involved in creating PCR material can also alter the aesthetic properties of the item, like color and clarity. Although this process does not impact the functionality and quality of the item, this may be a deterrent for companies going for a particular look.

What do we offer in PCR?

We are working on expanding our line of sustainably-focused products, including those made with PCR material, to help pave the way for a greener future. We currently offer PCR bottles, jars, jugs, caps, sprayers, pumps, sheet, and bags.