As a business, you face a tough challenge: how to continue delivering safe, fresh products while still adhering to packaging sustainability goals. The good news is there’s a solution that balances responsibility with functionality — post-consumer recycled packaging. By switching to this sustainable option, companies can reduce their carbon footprint and align with growing consumer demand for eco-friendly practices.
What is Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) Packaging?
PCR packaging is made from materials that have been used by consumers, disposed of, and then recycled into new products. Examples include plastic bottles, food containers, and more. These materials are collected through municipal recycling programs, where they are sorted and processed into raw materials for new production cycles.
Benefits of Post-Consumer Recycled Packaging
Switching to post-consumer recycled packaging offers numerous advantages that benefit both the environment and your business.
Environmental Impact
PCR packaging helps divert waste from landfills and oceans. Overall, this lowers the amount of pollution entering the environment and threatening ecosystems. Additionally, producing PCR packaging significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption compared to virgin plastics. Specifically, PCR reduces energy consumption by at least 79% and reduces GHG emissions by at least 67%.
Resource Conservation
This type of packaging saves water and raw materials compared to virgin plastic production. A life cycle assessment summary from the Association of Plastic Recyclers compared water consumption for virgin versus recycled plastic resins. For recycled HDPE and recycled PP, water reduction ranged from 46%-59%.
Additionally, virgin plastic is made from nonrenewable sources. Every ton of PCR produced directly reduces the need for new resource extraction.
Consumer Appeal
Products with sustainable packaging see higher sales growth. In fact, products with ESG claims grew by 28% while products without ESG claims only grew by 20%. That’s because consumers prioritize sustainable packaging when shopping and are even willing to pay a premium for it.
EPR for Packaging Compliance
New EPR for packaging legislation is emerging, aiming to get packaging manufacturers to use more recyclable materials. When you use PCR solutions, you’ll be one step closer to meeting your sustainability goals. If you’d like to learn more about how this EPR legislation will impact you, read our in-depth blog here.
How You Can Adopt PCR Packaging
Making the switch to post-consumer recycled packaging is essential for reducing waste, meeting regulations, and appealing to eco-conscious consumers. PPC Flex offers innovative, flexible, and truly recycled packaging solutions that can help your brand achieve these goals. Our expertise ensures your packaging is sustainable, functional, and ready for the future.
Ready to reduce your environmental impact and stand out in the market? Partner with PPC Flex and take the next step toward a greener, more responsible packaging solution.