Post Consumer Recycled Plastic (Ultimate Guide) | Bison Bag

In today’s environmentally conscious world, businesses and consumers alike are making a concerted effort to reduce their environmental impact. One powerful way to achieve this goal is by embracing post-consumer recycled plastic (PCR) in packaging. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore what post-consumer recycled plastic is, how it can help you reduce your environmental footprint, its rising popularity, the manufacturing process, pros and cons, versatile applications, and how it differs from recyclable and compostable packaging. Discover the unique benefits of PCR packaging, the challenges in recycling post-consumer plastics, and why Bison Bag is your ideal partner for PCR packaging solutions.

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What is Post-Consumer Recycled Plastic (PCR)?

Post-consumer recycled plastic, often abbreviated as PCR, is a sustainable material derived from plastic products that consumers have used and discarded. Unlike traditional plastic, which is made from virgin materials, PCR is produced by collecting, cleaning, and processing plastic items such as bottles, containers, and packaging that have completed their intended lifecycle. These materials are then transformed into new products, including flexible packaging, which is the focus of our discussion.

Reducing Environmental Impact with PCR Packaging

Embracing PCR packaging is a meaningful step towards reducing your environmental impact. Here’s why:

Resource Conservation: PCR reduces the demand for new plastic production, conserving valuable resources such as petroleum. This, in turn, reduces greenhouse gas emissions associated with the extraction and processing of raw materials.

Energy Efficiency: Creating PCR plastic typically requires less energy compared to manufacturing virgin plastic. This leads to lower carbon emissions and a smaller carbon footprint.

Waste Reduction: Utilizing post-consumer recycled plastic diverts plastic waste from landfills and the environment, helping to combat plastic pollution.

Circular Economy: PCR promotes a circular economy, where plastic materials are continuously recycled and reused, reducing the need for virgin plastic production.

Rising Popularity of PCR: A Choice for Savvy Shoppers and Corporations

In recent years, PCR packaging has gained popularity for several compelling reasons:

Consumer Demand: Savvy shoppers are increasingly seeking eco-friendly and sustainable products. Using PCR packaging demonstrates a commitment to sustainability that resonates with environmentally conscious consumers.

Corporate Responsibility: Major consumer packaged goods companies are recognizing the importance of sustainability in their brand image. Adopting PCR packaging aligns with corporate social responsibility goals and can attract environmentally aware consumers.

Regulatory Pressure: Governments worldwide are implementing stricter regulations on single-use plastics and encouraging the use of recycled materials. PCR packaging helps companies comply with these regulations.

How PCR Plastic is Made

The production of post-consumer recycled plastic involves several key steps:

Collection: Plastic items such as bottles, containers, and packaging are collected from recycling programs, curbside bins, and other sources.

Sorting: These collected items are sorted based on plastic type and color to ensure a uniform material stream.

Cleaning: The sorted plastics are thoroughly cleaned to remove contaminants like labels, caps, and food residue.

Shredding: The cleaned plastic is then shredded into small pieces or flakes.

Melting and Reprocessing: The shredded plastic is melted and reprocessed into pellets or resin, which can be used to manufacture various products, including flexible packaging.

Diverse Applications of Post-Consumer Recycled Plastic

PCR plastic is incredibly versatile and can be used in various applications, including but not limited to:

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Flexible Packaging: PCR is ideal for creating eco-friendly flexible packaging solutions, such as bags, pouches, and wrappers.

Bottles and Containers: PCR is commonly used in the production of bottles for beverages, cosmetics, and cleaning products, as well as containers for food and non-food items.

Textiles: Recycled plastic fibers derived from PCR are used to make sustainable textiles, including clothing, bags, and upholstery.

Construction Materials: PCR can be incorporated into building materials like composite decking, roofing tiles, and insulation.

PCR vs. Recyclable and Compostable Packaging

It’s important to distinguish between these different eco-friendly packaging options:

PCR Packaging: Made from post-consumer recycled plastic, PCR packaging reduces the demand for new plastic production and minimizes waste.

Recyclable Packaging: Recyclable packaging can be recycled after use but is often made from virgin materials. While it reduces waste, it does not directly promote the reuse of existing plastic.

Compostable Packaging: Compostable packaging is designed to break down into organic matter in specific composting conditions. While it’s a sustainable option, it requires specific disposal methods and may not be suitable for all products.

The Benefits of PCR Packaging

PCR packaging offers several unique benefits:

Sustainability: PCR supports a circular economy by reusing existing plastic materials.

Environmental Impact Reduction: It conserves resources, reduces energy consumption, and lowers carbon emissions.

Brand Image Enhancement: Demonstrates a commitment to sustainability, appealing to eco-conscious consumers.

Regulatory Compliance: Helps companies adhere to evolving environmental regulations.

Finding a PCR Packaging Partner: Why Choose Bison Bag

When it comes to PCR packaging solutions, choosing the right partner is crucial. Bison Bag, based in Lockport, NY, stands out as a top choice for several reasons:

Expertise: With years of experience in the packaging industry, Bison Bag has a deep understanding of PCR materials and their applications.

Quality Assurance: Bison Bag maintains stringent quality control standards to ensure that your PCR packaging meets the highest quality and safety standards.

Sustainability Commitment: Bison Bag is dedicated to sustainability, offering a range of PCR packaging options to help your business reduce its environmental footprint.

Customization: Bison Bag can tailor PCR packaging solutions to meet your specific needs, whether it’s for food, retail, or industrial applications.

Want more information on pcr plastic pros and cons? Feel free to contact us.

1            Feb 21, Dolco Packaging Co. Polystyrene (PS) Whole egg cartons Physical 4            Mar 13, Lewisystems Polyethylene or Polypropylene Harvesting crates for fresh fruits and vegetables Physical 5            Apr 24, Ultra Pac, Inc. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) Baskets for fresh fruits and vegetables Physical 6            May 23, Landfill Alternatives, Inc. Polystyrene (PS) Whole egg cartons Physical 8            Sep 3, Ultra Pac, Inc. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) Fresh fruit and vegetable trays Physical 11            Aug 21, Repak Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) Fresh fruit and vegetable baskets and trilaminate clamshell food-contact containers for short-term contact (< 2 weeks) at room temperature or below (interior layer of post-consumer recycled (PCR) PET is separated from food by at least a 1 mil thick layer of virgin, food-grade PET) Physical 12            Aug 25, Ultra Pac, Inc. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) Nonfood-contact layer in containers for short term storage of food (< 2 weeks) at room temperature or below. The interior layer of PCR PET is separated from food by a layer of virgin, food grade PET ≥1 mil thick. Physical 14            Nov 19, Lewisystems Polyethylene and Polypropylene Containers for storing refrigerated poultry, red meat, and seafood Physical 15            Dec 31, De Ster U.S. Holding Corp. Polystyrene (PS) Nonfood-contact layer of polystyrene airline snack containers used for storing foods for a short period of time (< 2 weeks) and at room temperature or below, providing PCR polystyrene is separated from food by a layer of virgin, food grade polystyrene ≥1 mil thick. Physical 16            Mar 1, Dolco Packaging Corp. Polystyrene (PS) For use in making trays for holding refrigerated meat, providing the PCR polystyrene was previously used for food-contact applications and there is strict source control. Physical 17            Apr 14, Continental PET Technologies, Inc. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) Non-food contact layer in soft drink bottles at room temperature or below, providing recycled PET is separated from food by a layer of virgin, food grade PET ≥1 mil thick. Physical 18            Jun 30, Novacor Chemical, Inc. Polystyrene (PS) For manufacturing plates, cutlery, trays, cups, containers, and lids for restaurants, providing there is strict source control of PCR polystyrene that was previously used for food-contact applications. Physical 19            Jul 1, Dolco Packaging Corp. Polystyrene (PS) Fruit and vegetable containers, food-service clamshells, and poultry trays, providing there is strict source control. Physical 20            Oct 21, Fabri-Kal Corp. Polystyrene (crystal and rubber modified) Nonfood-contact layer of polystyrene cold drink cups, lids, produce trays, portion cups, and deli food containers, providing PCR polystyrene is from strict sources and is separated from food by a layer of virgin, food grade polystyrene ≥1 mil thick. Articles are for short term contact (≤12 days) with food at room temperature or below. Physical 21            Dec 15, Keller & Heckman Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) Nonfood-contact layer in packaging for short term storage of food at room temperature or below. The interior layer of PCR PET is separated from food by ≥1 mil thick layer of virgin, food grade PET. Physical 23            May 5, PET Technologies, Inc. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) Non-food contact layer in PET articles for holding aqueous, acidic, and low-alcoholic foods under Condition of Use C (Hot filled or pasteurized above 150 °F) and below, providing recycled PET is separated from food by a layer of virgin, food grade PET ≥1 mil thick, and the food-contact article is used for storage periods not to exceed one year. Physical 24            Jun 3, KAMA Corp. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) Containers for storing fresh fruits and vegetables at room temperature or below. Physical 25            Aug 3, Creative Forming, Inc. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) Containers for storing fresh fruits and vegetables at room temperature or below, providing PCR PET comes from food-contact articles. Physical 26            Aug 24, Johnson Controls, Inc. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) Food containers in contact with all types of food under Condition of Use A or below. Physical 27            Nov 16, FP Corp. Polystyrene (PS) Nonfood-contact layer of polystyrene containers for short term contact (6-8 hours) with food at 50 °F or below, providing post-consumer polystyrene is separated from food by a layer of virgin, food grade polystyrene ≥1 mil thick. Physical 28            Dec 5, Wellman, Inc. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) Containers for storing fresh fruits and vegetables at room temperature or below, providing PCR PET comes from articles used for food-contact applications. Physical 29            Feb 22, Health Products International High density polyethylene (HDPE) Nonfood contact layer of a bottle for packaging dry dietary supplements, providing PCR HDPE is separated from food by a layer of virgin, food grade HDPE ≥12 mils thick. Physical 30            Feb 28, Continental PET Technologies, Inc. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) Corrected our letter of 5/5/94 by removing restrictions on conditions of use and time of storage. Physical 31            Mar 20, Flagstar Polystyrene (PS) Nonfood-contact layer of polystyrene clam shells and other food service containers, providing PCR polystyrene is separated from food by a layer of virgin, food grade polystyrene ≥1 mil thick, the PCR polystyrene was previously used for food-contact applications and there is strict source control, and the containers are limited to contact with hot and cold foods for only a few minutes. Physical 32            May 11, Wellman, Inc. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) Nonfood contact layer in containers for limited food contact applications for short term storage periods at room temperature or below, providing recycled PET is separated from food by a layer of virgin, food grade PET ≥1 mil thick, and the PCR is from reclaimed food-contact articles. Physical 33            Jul 17, ELM Packaging Co. Polystyrene (PS) Nonfood-contact layer of polystyrene containers, providing PCR polystyrene is separated from food by a layer of food grade virgin polystyrene ≥1 mil thick, the PCR polystyrene was previously used for food-contact applications and there is strict source control, and the containers are limited for """"fast food"""" service applications to contact hot and cold foods (i.e., those involving refrigerated or room temperatures or, if higher temperatures are involved, contact is limited to very short time frames). Physical 34            Jul 3, FP Corp. Polystyrene (PS) Nonfood-contact layer of polystyrene containers for short term contact (2-3 days) with all food types at 50 °F or below, providing PCR polystyrene is separated from food by a layer of virgin, food grade polystyrene ≥1 mil thick. Physical 35            Aug 29, Wellman, Inc. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) Nonfood contact layer in containers for limited food contact applications, providing PCR PET is separated from food by a layer of virgin, food grade PET ≥1 mil thick, the food-contact article is used for short term storage periods at room temperature or below, and the amount of PCR PET from nonfood applications does not exceed 0.6%. Physical 36            Sep 25, Envision Plastics, a division of Altium Packaging LP High density polyethylene (HDPE) Nonfood contact layer in a 2 or 3 layer bottle in contact with dry food with no free surface fat at room temperature or below, providing that the PCR HDPE is separated from food by a layer of virgin, food grade HDPE ≥4 mil thick, and the PCR HDPE was previously used for food-contact applications. Physical 38            Nov 2, Ultra Pac, Inc. Crystallized PET (C-PET) C-PET cake pans produced from old commercial C-PET cake pans, providing there is strict source control. Physical 40            Mar 13, Wellman, Inc. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) For use in contact with aqueous and acidic foods under Condition of Use C or less severe conditions, and fatty and alcoholic foods under Condition of Use D or less severe conditions, providing PCR PET is from food containers collected through a bottle deposit system. Physical 41            Apr 4, Enviroplastics High density polyethylene (HDPE) Produce bags from recycled milk jugs Physical 43            May 2, Wellman, Inc. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) For use in contact with dry, aqueous, and acidic foods under Condition of Use C or less severe conditions, and fatty and alcoholic foods under Condition of Use D or less severe conditions, providing PCR PET is from food containers collected through a bottle deposit system and recycled PET complies with 21 CFR 177.. Physical 44            Jul 25, Plastipak Packaging, Inc. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) Non-food contact layer in PET containers for holding foods of all types under Condition of Use C (Hot filled or pasteurized above 150 °F) and below, providing recycled PET is separated from food by a layer of virgin, food grade PET ≥1 mil thick. Physical 46            Jan 17, Perstorp Xytec, Inc. High density polyethylene (HDPE) Crates for holding fruits and vegetables at room temperature or below for up to 10 months, providing PCR HDPE is from food-contact articles. Physical 47            Jan 28, Health Products International High density polyethylene (HDPE) Bottles for packaging dry dietary supplements, providing PCR HDPE is obtained from milk jugs. Physical 48            Jun 6, Wellman, Inc. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) For use in contact with dry and aqueous foods under Condition of Use C or less severe conditions, and fatty foods under Condition of Use D or less severe conditions, providing PCR PET is from food containers collected through a bottle deposit system, and recycled PET complies with 21 CFR 177.. Physical 50            Dec 18, Enviroplastics High density polyethylene (HDPE) Berry baskets and produce trays, provided PCR HDPE is obtained from milk jugs. Physical 51            Jan 5, Crown Cork and Seal Co., Inc. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) Articles for contact with aqueous, acidic, and low alcoholic foods (15% or less) under Condition of Use C or less severe conditions. Physical 52            Jan 16, Envision Plastics, a division of Altium Packaging LP High density polyethylene (HDPE) For packaging aqueous and/or acidic food under Conditions of Use C through H, providing PCR HDPE is from bottles used in food-contact applications. Physical 53            Jul 21, PET Technologies, Inc. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) Non-food contact layer in PET bottles for holding high-alcoholic and fatty foods under Condition of Use D (Hot filled or pasteurized below 150 °F) and below, providing recycled PET is separated from food by a layer of virgin, food grade PET ≥1 mil thick, and the food-contact article is used for storage periods not to exceed one year. Physical 54            Oct 2, Pure Tech Plastics, Inc. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) Articles for contact with aqueous, acidic, low alcoholic (8% or less), and dry foods at room temperature (120 °F) or below. Physical 55            Dec 29, Clean Tech, Inc. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) Articles for contact with all types of food under Condition of Use A (High temperature heat -sterilized (e.g., over 212 °F)) and less severe conditions. Physical 56            Dec 29, Dolco Packaging Corp. Polystyrene (PS) Fruit and vegetable containers, food-service clamshells, and meat and poultry trays, providing the recycled polystyrene is obtained from pre-consumer sources and there is strict source control. Physical 57            Apr 13, OHL Apparatebau & Verfahrenstechnik GmbH Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) Articles for contact with all types of food at room temperature (120 °F) or below, providing PCR PET comes from food-contact articles, and the recycled PET complies with 21 CFR 177.. Physical 58            Aug 10, Phoenix Technologies, L.P. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) Articles for contact with dry (no surface fat or oil), aqueous, acidic, and low-alcohol (<15%) foods at room temperature and below, provided the pcr pet comes from containers previously used for food and non-food applications (excluding industrial pet containers) obtained from deposit and curbside recycling programs, and the recycled pet complies with 21 177.. Physical 59            Aug 10, Phoenix Technologies, L.P. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) Articles for contact with dry (no surface fat or oil), aqueous, acidic, and low-alcohol (<15%) foods at room temperature and below, provided the pcr pet comes from containers previously used for food and non-food applications (excluding industrial pet containers) obtained from deposit and curbside recycling programs, and the recycled pet complies with 21 177.. Physical 60            Feb 1, United Resource Recovery Corp. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) Articles for contact with dry (no surface fat or oil), aqueous, acidic, and low-alcohol (<15%) foods at room temperature and below, provided the pcr pet comes from containers previously used for food and non-food applications (excluding industrial pet containers) obtained from deposit and curbside recycling programs, and the pcr pet complies with 21 177. or 177.. Physical