Post-consumer recycled packaging involves the incorporation of materials that consumers have already used and discarded in recycling bins, such as paper, plastic, cardboard, and aluminum.

Your local recycling facility collects these materials, separates them by type, and then sells them to companies that melt the plastics down into small pellets. These pellets can then be molded into films of plastic resin that can see fresh use in new packages.

What Are the Environmental Advantages of PCR Packaging?

As you might imagine, any kind of packaging that makes use of previously-used materials can have a positive impact on the environment. Post-consumer recycled packaging is no exception. Here are just a few of the environmental advantages of PCR packaging.

• PCR packaging reduces your company’s carbon footprint. If you care about the size of your company’s carbon footprint, you’ll be delighted to learn that switching from virgin plastics to PCR plastics can reduce that carbon footprint by a stunning 60 percent.
• PCR packaging means less waste in landfills and water sources. Non-recyclable products create massive landfills that may contain soil toxins. They can also get into rivers and oceans, creating pollution and endangering wildlife. The adoption of PCR packaging can reduce your contribution to this problem.
• PCR packaging makes better use of petroleum sources.  Our planet’s supplies of petroleum for plastics are limited. When you choose PCR packaging, you’re making those limited resources go farther.

What Are the Business Advantages of PCR Packaging?

In many cases, what’s good for the environment is also good for business, especially as awareness over environmental issues continues to grow among the general public. PCR packaging can be just as good for your business as it can for our world. Take the following potential advantages into consideration.

• PCR packaging appeals to eco-conscious consumers. The more attention consumers pay to issues of sustainability, the more heavily their purchasing decisions hinge on sustainable packaging. In fact, research shows that 70 percent of Millennials prioritize this issue when purchasing products. When you use PCR packaging, you automatically make your brand more appealing to that huge (and lucrative) target audience.
• PCR packaging keeps plastics in play. Consumers who care about the environment may automatically look down on plastic packaging as irresponsible or wasteful. Plastics made from PCR materials allow you to use this practical, attractive form of packaging without the negative stigma that might otherwise be attached to it.
• PCR packaging is high-quality packaging. All the environmental responsibility in the world won’t make a difference to your sales or your brand appeal if the packaging itself is substandard. Thankfully, PCR packaging can look just as nice and provide just as much protection for its contents (including protection against moisture, UV, and oxygen) as more wasteful packaging products.