Aug. 04, 2025
In today’s sustainability-driven world, reducing waste is no longer a choice—it’s a necessity. With global landfill overflow and rising waste management costs, both individuals and companies are looking to embrace environmentally responsible practices.
EcoPlas supply professional and honest service.
According to UNEP, the global cost of waste management reached $252 billion in , and municipal solid waste is projected to grow from 2.1 billion tonnes in to 3.8 billion tonnes by . These growing numbers emphasize the urgent need for smarter waste reduction strategies.
One of the most impactful solutions gaining momentum is the use of Post-Consumer Recycled content. This material is derived from products that are disposed of by consumers and are now being given a second life through recycling.
This guide will break down what a post-consumer recyclable material is, how it differs from other eco-friendly packaging options, its pros and cons, and why it’s becoming a cornerstone of sustainable product packaging.
Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) content refers to materials that have been recovered from consumer waste, such as plastic bottles, cardboard boxes, or paper products, customers throw in bins, and reprocessed into new, usable products or packaging.
After use, consumers discard these products into recycling bins, where they're collected, cleaned, and reprocessed into new packaging. These materials are then used to manufacture everything new, from packaging films to bags and containers.
PCR is a growing trend in sustainable packaging solutions for brands looking to lower their environmental impact. It helps reduce waste, conserve natural resources, and minimize the environmental impact of creating new materials.
Produce > Use > End of life > Recycle > Reuse
Top examples of post-consumer recycled (PCR ) content are:
PCW means plastic waste, garbage, or discarded material that is thrown away by customers after use. This includes items such as:
Unlike pre-consumer waste (which includes manufacturing scraps and unused products), PCW comes directly from consumers and forms a significant portion of global solid waste.
PCW becomes a valuable resource for creating Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) content when properly collected and recycled.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), paper waste has one of the highest recycling rates at 68%, contributing to the environment than recycled materials, showcasing the potential of PCW to be reintegrated into production cycles.
Consumers often drink water and dispose of water bottles improperly. A newspaper that consumers leave behind after reading is another example of waste.
By turning PCW into PCR packaging, you can:
PCR, compostable, and recyclable packaging all support sustainability. However, they differ from each other in material composition, manufacturing process, and life cycle. Here is the breakdown to help you differentiate them better.
Features PCR Compostable Recyclable Material & Process Made from recycled plastic waste and then transformed into new packaging Made from plant-based material and is designed to break down into organic under composting conditions Made from paper, plastic, glass, and aluminum. It is arranged, collected, and processed into new recycled packaging Process Waste is collected, cleaned, melted, and reprocessed into new packaging Designed to decompose into natural elements under composting conditions Materials are sorted, cleaned, and remanufactured into new products Environmental Impact Reduces plastic impact, and carbon footprints Reduces landfill waste Reduces resource consumption. Saves raw materials and energy. Best Examples Recycled plastic water bottles, PCR film pouches Compostable food containers and custom bags Aluminum cans, glass bottles, paper boxes, glass jarsPCR, also known as post-consumer recycled or post-consumer resin, is undoubtedly an eco-friendly and sustainable packaging option. However, it serves many benefits to industries like food, pharmaceuticals, and sports.
Read More: Biodegradable vs. Recyclable Coffee Packaging: What You Need To Know
Here is the list of the top best industries enjoying the advantages of using post-consumer recycled content.
Sustainability is the future. The shift toward PCR content isn't just a trend—it's a choice for a greener future. Every time, choosing products made from PCR materials means reducing plastic waste. Choose PCR-label products next time you shop and be a part of the solution, not the pollution. Ready to switch to PCR packaging? Stop by Custom Product Packaging, producing PCR pouches and custom packaging that meet your needs. Let’s get connected. Our packaging experts are here to bring innovative ideas to support your sustainability vision. Call us now or us at .
1. What is the difference between post-industrial and post-consumer recycled?
Post-industrial recycled materials come from manufacturing waste, like scraps. While post-consumer recycled materials come from discarded stuff by consumers, like plastic bottles or newspapers.
2. What is the difference between pre- and post-consumer recycled content?
Pre-consumer recycled content comes from materials waste reused before reaching consumers. Post-consumer recycled content is made from items already used by consumers and discarded.
3. What types of post-consumer waste are most common in your home?
Plastic bottles, food packaging, paper products, or glass jars.
4. What is post-consumer recycled cotton?
It is a cotton fabric recycled from textiles that have reached the end of their use by consumers.
5. What is 100% post-consumer waste?
It refers to a product made from materials that were previously used by consumers and then discarded.
Read about Post-Consumer recycled resin (PCR)
Post-consumer recycled (PCR) packaging is materials such as metals, cardboard, plastic, and wood that consumers have used and discarded.
Read also a blog post about biodegradable, bio-based, compostable plastics here.
Content:
Flexible packaging providers continue to focus on sustainability, reducing waste, and energy efficiency. Sustainability is also becoming a competitive advantage. Recyclable and compostable packaging are the two most common types of sustainable packaging. However, there is a third type beginning to shake the plastic film manufacturing world: post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic film.
Are you interested in learning more about pcr plastic pros and cons? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!
Pre-consumer recycled plastics has for a long time been taken care of by flexible packaging manufacturers. Recycling is a good business that also helps reduce the carbon footprint. This loop now includes the consumer, as plastics can be recycled and recycled. So, the more you recycle those milk jugs and bottles, the more PCR material is available and the less need there is for virgin petroleum-based plastic.
Many brands have begun to use more PCR packaging over time, recognizing the environmental implications of plastic packaging and with the development of recycling technology. Over time, there have also been more conscious buyers and environmental friendliness requirements adopted by some states. The whole world realized the importance of recycling and reusing materials. With its growing popularity, recycled plastic packaging is being used more often than ever, and in the near future it may become an important part of the packaging strategy of manufacturing companies.
For example, the leading plastic film and packaging company Trioworld says it has developed a new multi-layer, recyclable, food contact labeled Loop packaging that contains recycled plastic. The material Loop can contain up to 80% recycled PCR and is 100% recyclable. Trioworld launched the first post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic film, approved for frozen food packaging, together with Lidl Sweden in May . [1]
One of the goals of the plastics industry is to "close the loop," that is, to recycle and reuse in the production of products without losing material, thus using less raw material and reducing waste.
Recycled plastic is less wasteful than new plastic. New plastic mostly comes from non-renewable fossil fuels like petroleum, which are hard on the environment [2]. By contrast, recycled plastics require no “virgin” petroleum.
Post-consumer recycled plastic film is recyclable, as the film can be processed and used again as raw materials. Still it is very dependent on the consumer’s ability and knowledge to recycle materials.
PCR resin includes plastics such as PET, HDPE and PP, all of which are popular recyclable plastic options for product packaging. LDPE, PS, PP usually are not recycled because these types of plastics are more difficult and expensive to process.
Recycling of different plastic typesRecycling facilities collect these materials and sell them to recycling and recovery companies. They will melt the post consumer recycled plastics down into pellets. PCR pellets can then be molded into films of plastic resin that can be used in new products and packaging.
Most eco-friendly packaging is good for the environment. But PCR plastic film has some specific benefits that are worth noting. In general, PCR films are developed into stand-up pouches, lay-flat pouches, and rollstock. Most industries can utilize this type of packaging.
Post-consumer recycled film gives the same level of protection, barrier performance, and strength as regular plastic film. The film will protect your product from oxygen, light, and gases.
From a consumer point of view, there are advantages with PCR films, PCR packaging appeals to eco-conscious consumers. In fact, research shows that 70 percent of millennials prioritize this issue when purchasing products.
When you use PCR packaging, you automatically make your product more appealing to consumers.
Finally, PCR is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint, avoid landfills, and greenwash your business. In addition, it's a great option for companies and brands to offer a sustainable solution for consumers.
10 years ago, PCR was used for garbage bags. But with consumer minds shifting in favor of PCR flexible film manufactures has step by step increased the PCR percentage. First 30% was the goal, followed by 60%. The target for a film manufacturer today should be 80%.
Now this works not just for garbage bags. Packaging for food and medical products can also be filled with PCR, as a laminated film can protect the PCR from getting in contact with the product. Basically, two layers of virgin film encapsulate the PCR, making it applicable for medical usage. The quality of printing on PCR has significantly improved.
Sollex has many customers who use PCR in their production process. Blades recommended for slitting or cutting PCR film are the slitting blades 5Z, 5K, 2-013-K, and 2-013-X. 5Z are mostly used when cutting the wrapping stretch plastic film. The K and X coatings are used when cutting film with print, as the color and additives are a tougher challenge for the blade.
Also the tests were conducted for cutting three-layer white agricultural plastic LDPE film with PCR 30% + PIR 6% with a thickness of 21 mi, which showed that Sollex blades 4-60-030-K and 4-60-030-Z showed excellent durability and fine cutting edges. For cutting pellets, we strongly recommend the L24 blade. If you need help slitting or cutting PCR film, we would be happy to support you.
___
Sollex is a Swedish supplier of industrial knives and machine blades! We have cutting products with cutting-edge technology and performance that improve manufacturing and converting processes and solve problems. With the right knives and blades, you can get simplified maintenance, time savings, and an improved end product.
You are welcome to contact us with your questions:
Company name: Sollex AB
Website: https://www.sollex.com
Customer service and orders:
: +–15 75 00
Address: Box , 200 71, Malmö, Sweden
_____
Sources:
[1] Website:https://www.mynewsdesk.com/tri...
[2] What Are PCR Plastics And How Are They Used? : O.Berk Company
[3] Website:https://www.nationalgeographic...
[4] National Overview: Facts and Figures on Materials, Wastes and Recycling | US EPA
[5] What to Know About Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) Packaging
[6] All About PCR: Post-Consumer Recycled Material | Seventh Generation
Want more information on Post-Consumer Plastic Reuse? Feel free to contact us.
If you are interested in sending in a Guest Blogger Submission,welcome to write for us!
All Comments ( 0 )