Redefining Sustainable Shopping: Embracing PCR Packaging

Choosing products made with PCR material may have more impact than you might realize.

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Looking for "made with recycled content" on labels is a great start if you're trying to make more sustainable choices. Choosing products made from recycled materials instead of new ones helps reduce landfill waste, lowers the demand for raw materials, and reduces the energy needed for production. But there's more to it. Sometimes, you'll see labels mentioning that the product or packaging you are considering is made with "post-consumer recycled material," along with a percentage. With the constant buzz around greenwashing, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by all the terms. However, a bottle with a PCR label is quite different from one that doesn't have it.

Why Post-Consumer Recycled Waste is a Sustainable Option

Post-consumer waste comes from products or packaging that have reached the end of their lifecycle with the consumer. After being used, and hopefully reused, multiple times through refilling a plastic cleaning bottle and reusing the spray trigger, these items face two options: end up in a landfill or be recycled.

Keeping plastic out of landfills is crucial. Around 46% of plastic waste is landfilled, but plastic can take a long time to degrade. Plastic bags can take 10-20 years to break down, while plastic bottles can take up to 450 years. This slow breakdown generates numerous smaller plastic fragments, which become microplastics once their size reaches five millimeter or less. Additionally, 22% of plastic waste is mismanaged and becomes litter, harming the environment and threatening animal and human health. So, recycling post-consumer waste is essential to prevent plastic from becoming pollution.

Creating post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic starts with collecting and sorting recycled PET and HDPE items from commercial and residential recycling programs like bottles and milk jugs. The plastic is then cleaned and sorted, and any scrap materials are removed. The items are broken down, melted and reformed into a resin material. This resin can be mixed with other plastics to create PCR plastic packaging, bottles, jars, and closures, with varying content percentages of up to 100%.

Incorporating PCR resins into products allows manufacturers to significantly reduce the impact of their operations. Using recycled plastic requires fewer fossil fuels and energy to produce. For example, recycling just ten plastic bottles can save enough energy to power a laptop for over 25 hours. At a minimum, PCR reduces energy consumption by 79% and GHG emissions by 67%.

Challenges and Progress for PCR

So why aren't more packaging and products made with PCR materials? The main reasons are material use regulations, cost and availability.

There is uncertainty about the purity and uniformity of PCR materials and whether they may contain harmful substances. For instance, black plastic kitchen items made from recycled electronics may have toxic flame retardants and other chemicals. Additionally, PCR plastic can be tricky to color. It's hard to achieve light, transparent and pastel shades because the material isn't completely clear. This can be a problem for marketers who want their products to stand out on store shelves.

However, the most significant obstacles to increasing PCR plastic use are its cost and accessibility. PCR resin can be more expensive than virgin resin, the availability of PCR materials is limited, and the recycling streams often contain contaminated plastics, all of which make it challenging to get a consistent supply of high-quality material for PCR products. Most curbside recycling systems only accept rigid plastics #1 (PET) and #2 (HDPE), so sourcing PCR for other types of plastics, such as #5 (PP), which is commonly used in pumps and caps, can be difficult.

These issues mean there's not enough properly recycled plastic to meet the demand for recycled content. Currently, the supply of PCR plastics meets only about 6% of demand, which is expected to increase by 5 million metric tons by . This shortage drives up prices and limits the use of PCR materials. More robust legislation is needed to address this, which is why this is a crucial issue in the negotiations of the Global Plastics Treaty.

Despite these challenges, recently released data from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation (EMF) Global Commitment report shows that companies are progressing to incorporating more PCR into their products and packaging. For example, SC Johnson, which reached its EMF goal of 25% PCR materials use a year early, has incorporated PCR content across much of its portfolio with many of its major brands, like Method, Windex and Ecover, featuring 100% PCR bottles.

Most recently, SC Johnson launched the first-ever bottles made from 100% PCR in Mexico, Central America, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. This began with Windex® bottles in Mexico and will expand to other SC Johnson Home Cleaning brands like Duck®, FamilyGuard®, Mr Muscle® and Pledge®. Each bottle will feature a "Bottles made of 100% recycled plastic" label to help consumers make more sustainable purchasing decisions as part of their own plastic waste reduction efforts.

Making More Sustainable Choices Does Make a Difference

A PCR bottle, of course, is not a magic solution: it still uses plastic material and resources. However, buying products made with PCR material may have more impact than you might realize.

In a survey of over 1,000 consumers in the U.S. and U.K., 96% felt that their actions, like donating, recycling or buying ethically, can make a difference. Further research reveals that 33% of consumers began purchasing sustainable products simply because they became available in the stores where they were already shopping. When you choose to buy sustainable products, it's like casting a vote. You're telling manufacturers and retailers that you want more of these options.

Every bottle made with PCR helps keep more plastic waste in the recycling stream instead of in landfills and our oceans. So, the next time you see a bottle on the shelf made with "post-consumer recycled material," you know how it's part of the journey to close the loop and bring high-quality materials back into our supply chain.

What You Must Know Before Purchasing Recycled PET Resin

Key Takeaways:

• Quality and consistency in rPET resin depend heavily on source material and processing standards, making certifications and supplier transparency essential.
• Mechanical and thermal properties of rPET may vary, but additives and processing techniques like reactive extrusion can significantly enhance performance.
• Choosing a reliable rPET supplier is critical—look for reputation, customization options, and compliance with sustainability and safety standards.

If you’re considering recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate (rPET) for your business, you’re already taking a step toward sustainability and environmental responsibility.

But let’s be honest—purchasing rPET resin isn’t as straightforward as it seems. To get the most out of this versatile material, you need to know what to look for and what to avoid.

With years of experience in the industry, we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you navigate the ins and outs of buying rPET resin.

By the time you finish reading, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to make confident, informed decisions.

Key Considerations When Buying rPET Resin

Quality and Purity

Let’s start with the basics. The quality of rPET resin you buy directly impacts the success of your products. Here’s what you need to keep in mind:

1. Source of Raw Material : Always ask where the recycled PET comes from. High-quality rPET resin is typically sourced from post-consumer or post-industrial PET.

Avoid suppliers who can’t provide details about their feedstock—contamination can spell disaster for your final product.

2. Processing Standards : Reliable suppliers follow strict cleaning, sorting, and processing protocols. If they don’t, you’ll likely end up with inconsistent quality that’s a headache to work with.

3. Certification : Look for certifications like ISO or food-grade compliance, especially if your products are intended for food and beverage packaging. This ensures the rPET meets industry standards.

Mechanical and Thermal Properties

It’s not just about what rPET resin looks like; it’s about how it performs. Pay attention to these properties:

Want more information on Post Consumer Recycled Resin? Feel free to contact us.

1. Strength and Durability : rPET resin can have slightly lower tensile strength than virgin PET. However, blending it with virgin PET or using chain extenders during processing can restore its mechanical properties.

2. Thermal Stability : The melting and crystallization temperatures of rPET resin may be slightly lower due to contaminants. Additives can help, especially for high-temperature applications.

3. Viscosity and Rheology : Lower viscosity is common in rPET resin, which can impact processability. Advanced techniques like reactive extrusion can improve its flow properties and molecular weight.

Learn More : Recycled PET vs. Virgin PET - A Comprehensive Comparison

Environmental and Regulatory Compliance

If sustainability is your goal, ensure your rPET resin supplier aligns with it:

1. Sustainability Impact: Confirm that the recycling process minimizes energy use and emissions.

2. Regulatory Standards: Make sure the rPET resin complies with local and international regulations, such as FDA or EU standards, particularly for food-grade applications.

Supplier Reliability

Your supplier can make or break your rPET resin experience. Here’s what to look for:

1. Reputation: Work with suppliers known for consistent quality and transparent operations.

2. Customization Options: If you need specific rPET properties, like clear flakes or colored pellets, choose a supplier who offers tailored solutions.

Once you’ve ensured the quality and reliability of your rPET resin, understanding its processing and applications is the next step.

Also Read : Recycled PET for Food Contact - Safety and Standards

Processing and Application Insights

Processing Guidelines

Getting the best out of rPET resin requires precision. Follow these tips:

1. Temperature Control: Maintain processing temperatures between 210°C and 270°C. This prevents polymer degradation and ensures optimal performance.

2. Extrusion and Molding: Proper washing, grinding, and extrusion techniques are critical for producing high-quality rPET resin suitable for diverse applications.

3. Additives and Stabilizers: Additives can enhance thermal stability, color, and mechanical properties, ensuring your rPET meets specific requirements.

Applications of rPET resin

rPET resin is more versatile than you might think. Here are some of its top uses:

1. Packaging: Ideal for food and beverage containers, rPET offers strength, clarity, and sustainability.

2. Textiles: From fashion to industrial fabrics, rPET fibers are lightweight, quick-drying, and eco-friendly.

3. Construction: Geotextiles made from rPET are durable and environmentally friendly, perfect for soil stabilization and erosion control.

4. Advanced Materials: Think 3D printing filaments and composite reinforcements—rPET is paving the way for innovation.

Challenges and Mitigation Strategies

Common Challenges

1. Contamination: Impurities can affect rPET’s mechanical and thermal properties.

2. Quality Variability: Differences in feedstock and processing can lead to inconsistencies.

Solutions

1. Rigorous Quality Control: Work with suppliers who use advanced sorting and cleaning technologies.

2. Processing Optimization: Techniques like reactive extrusion can improve rPET’s properties and make it more reliable.

Choosing the Right Supplier

Here’s the bottom line: a good supplier is your greatest asset. Langgeng Jaya Group is a trusted supplier of high-quality rPET flakes and pellets, known for strict quality standards and customizable solutions. 

Partnering with a supplier like Langgeng Jaya Group ensures you’re getting the best material for your needs.

Also Read : A Complete Guide to Choosing the Right FIBC for Your Business

Conclusion

Buying recycled PET isn’t just a purchase; it’s an investment in sustainability and quality. By understanding the factors outlined here, you’ll be well-equipped to make informed decisions that benefit your business and the environment.

For more information, please visit Recycled Plastic Products.