The Benefits of Using Post Consumer Recycled Resin

Understanding Post-Consumer Resin (PCR) and Its Advantages

Numerous prominent brands around the globe are committing to integrating more post-consumer resin (PCR) in their packaging over the next 5-10 years. This initiative is supported across various industries, indicating a collective effort to tackle the escalating issue of plastic pollution and conserve natural resources.

With competitive pricing and timely delivery, EcoPlas is eager to become your supplier and business partner.

To cater to the increasing demand for post-consumer resin, it is essential for consumers to return and recycle specific types of used plastic packaging. Mauser Packaging Solutions addresses this demand through an integrated life cycle management program that encompasses collection, reconditioning, recycling, and producing products from PCR materials.

So, what is post-consumer resin, how is it created, and what are its benefits?

Defining Post-Consumer Resin (PCR)

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) defines post-consumer material as “material generated by end-users of products that has fulfilled its intended purpose and can no longer be used,” which includes items returned from the distribution chain. This is distinct from post-industrial, or pre-consumer material, which refers to material diverted during production processes.

Post-consumer resin encompasses consumer packaging items such as plastic films, bottles, milk jugs, and buckets, as well as industrial packaging items like IBC totes and poly drums. These materials can be reprocessed into recycled plastics utilized for making new products.

Manufacturing PCR at Mauser Packaging Solutions

Once an IBC or plastic drum reaches the end of its usable life and cannot be reconditioned, the recycling process commences with collection via Mauser Packaging Solutions. Empty containers and used plastics are sorted, shredded, ground, washed, dried, and repelletized into high-quality post-consumer resin that meets ISO standards. The in-house generated PCR is referred to as “Recolene™.”

Recolene™ is our premium recycled resin, used to manufacture our components and packaging, such as the Infinity Series. It provides all the benefits of reusability and recyclability akin to virgin resin while delivering comparable technical performance. In the previous year alone, Mauser Packaging Solutions produced over 51,000 metric tons of post-consumer resin from IBCs and plastic drums collected through our program.

Advantages of Utilizing PCR

Post-consumer resin offers a reduced carbon footprint when compared to virgin materials. Adopting PCR helps divert waste from landfills, minimizes the need for virgin raw materials, and lowers emissions, thereby fostering a circular economy.

Top 7 Benefits of Post Consumer Recycled Resin

With the global transition toward sustainability, businesses are increasingly exploring eco-friendly resources and striving to offer environmentally responsible products.

While some companies may feel pressured to abandon plastic packaging in their pursuit of sustainability, such a strategy may be misguided. Although aiming for a greener planet is positive, rejecting plastic can overshadow its multitude of benefits. Instead of questioning whether to use plastic, firms should evaluate the type of plastic being utilized.

This is where recycled plastic makes a significant difference. By opting for post-consumer recycled resins (PCR) over virgin resins, organizations can save on costs, boost profits, and enhance customer relations.

Here are the primary reasons to choose PCR instead of virgin plastics or alternative packaging materials:

For further details, visit pcr plastic pros and cons.

1. Lower Carbon Footprint

Utilizing more sustainable packaging materials mitigates waste and helps reduce your carbon footprint by requiring less energy than virgin plastics. As the world moves towards a circular economy, PCR emerges as the packaging material best suited for future industries.

2. Retains Benefits of Traditional Plastic

The appeal of plastic as the preferred packaging material stems from its superior performance. In comparison with alternative packaging options like paper and cardboard, plastics deliver several advantages:

• Enhanced durability and product protection
• Stronger and more resistant packaging
• Superior water and weather resistance
• Improved sanitation for sterile environments

By utilizing PCR, you can enjoy these same benefits while making a more sustainable choice than using non-recycled resins.

3. Enhanced Customer Relations and Loyalty

Effective marketing can yield significant results. With over 73% of consumers inclined to select sustainable products, now is an opportune moment to transition to more consumer-friendly plastics. These eco-conscious customers are likely to remain loyal if your brand promotes sustainability, enabling you to both attract new clients and retain existing ones.

4. Increased Return on Investment (ROI)

Companies that once incurred losses by opting for PCR over virgin resins can now anticipate improved returns by leveraging recycled plastics. As costs associated with petroleum-based materials rise, PCR costs are expected to stabilize. Thus, while competitors struggle with increasing plastic prices, you can maintain more stable expenses and protect profits.

5. Improved Profit Margins

Consumers are generally more inclined to choose sustainable alternatives, and greener packaging can support a higher price point. Many consumers are willing to pay a premium for eco-friendly products, emphasizing the potential for enhanced profitability.

6. Long-Term Sustainability

Beyond the environmental advantages of PCR, businesses can also achieve long-term economic success by selecting recycled materials over virgin resins. PCR will consistently outperform non-recycled plastics in terms of economic viability and brand reputation.

7. Compliance with Regulations

Local and state regulations regarding packaging and recycled products vary. By offering sustainable options, PCR aligns with these regulations, facilitating your business's compliance with ecological standards set by authorities.

Enhancing Accessibility to Recycling

To fully harness the benefits of PCR, effective recycling initiatives must be accessible. However, recycling rates for polypropylene (PP), one of the most commonly produced plastics, have been declining as cities scale back curbside recycling programs due to budget constraints. The global market for polypropylene is projected to reach $192.33 billion, making it vital to ensure these valuable plastics can be recycled effectively.

To address this issue, Braskem, the largest polyolefin producer in the Americas, has announced plans to take a foundational role in the Polypropylene Recycling Coalition, a new initiative under The Recycling Partnership. This coalition aims to elevate recycling rates for polypropylene to the standards of widely recycled plastics like polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE).

Braskem, in collaboration with other coalition members, will focus on improving curbside recycling access for polypropylene by removing barriers and providing attractive recycling incentives. The aim is to guarantee that this crucial packaging material is extensively recovered and reused across various industries, including food and beverage packaging, consumer goods, medical tools, and automotive parts.

Braskem is dedicated to enhancing the recycling and circularity of polypropylene through both financial and technical contributions. This expertise will be instrumental in advancing necessary improvements within the U.S. recycling infrastructure geared towards recovering polypropylene and better utilizing post-consumer recycled resins.

Advancing Better Plastics at MRP Solutions

At MRP Solutions, we recognize the significant advantages of utilizing PCR. In fact, many of our packaging products incorporate post-consumer recycled resin. This commitment to superior materials enables us to deliver excellent packaging solutions that support our customers’ business objectives.

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