Why Use PCR?
INTRINSIC / SOLVING SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVES
Using PCR in packaging is essential to driving the circular economy. Using PCR shows that your company is committed to keeping plastic out of the landfill and reducing the use of virgin plastics. Additionally, PCR often has a lower carbon footprint than virgin plastic, reducing a brand owner’s Scope 3 emissions. PCR may also have a lower carbon footprint than using non-plastic alternatives.
BRAND EQUITY
As concern about plastic waste increases, consumers are looking to companies for solutions to the problem. Using PCR in your products signals that you are committed to keeping plastic out of landfills and reducing the use of virgin materials. See below for additional information on consumer perceptions of PCR.
REGULATORY COMPLIANCE & INCENTIVE
Several states and local governments have rules and regulations surrounding packaging and recycled content in products. By offering a more sustainable option, PCR enables regulatory compliance, and in some cases like CA, using certified PCR is an incentive towards lower eco-modulation fees.
Driving Entities: Brands, Converters, & Recyclers
BEING PROACTIVE
Limiting some of the negative impacts of plastics can help to counteract the negative perception of plastics in advance of additional regulation. PCR reduces the need to create new plastics from non-renewable petroleum products. This changes the game. Plastics become a resource instead of waste.
Driving Entities: Brands, Converters, & Recyclers
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Consumer Acceptance & Perceptions of PCR
Key Points on Public Perceptions of PCR
McKinsey & Company – Sustainability in packaging: Inside the minds of US consumers
- 55% of U.S. survey respondents report that they are extremely or very concerned about the environmental impact of product packaging.
- Across all end-use segments, 60-70% of consumers said they would pay more for sustainable packaging. A willingness to pay more was relatively equally distributed across end-use segments.
- 52% of consumers said they would buy more products with sustainable packaging if those products didn’t cost more than conventionally packaged ones.
- Overall, consumers want plastic film and rigid packaging to be recyclable or to include higher levels of recycled content.
The Recycling Partnership – Recycling Confidence Index
- 52% believe that recycled items are “made into new things.” 40% believe that material is “sometimes” used, 36% believe that material is “usually” used, and 16% believe material is “always” used.
Shelton Group – Old Dogs, New Tricks
- 65% of U.S. consumers surveyed indicated they feel very concerned or extremely concerned about plastic in the ocean compared to 58% who had similar feelings towards climate change.
- 42% of those polled want to be seen as someone who’s buying eco-friendly products.
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PCR Legislation & Regulation
Overcoming Financial Barriers
Integrating 25% PCR into non-film applications like bottles and rigid plastics is generally considered the norm. The converter will typically do a trial run with PCR to see which, if any, processing changes are needed for the integration of PCR. During that trial, it is recommended to test different percentages: 25%, 50%, 75%, up to 100%. While you may only use 25% at the time of launch, you will know to what level you are able to integrate PCR into your package, how the different levels affect the appearance, and any processing changes that are required. This will be valuable information in the future as the PCR supply becomes more abundant.
For film, 10% is an achievable target but testing up to 40% is a worthwhile endeavor.
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Other Resources
- Duke University‘s Global, Searchable Plastics Policy Inventory
- Ocean Conservancy Policy
- SPC’s Guide to EPR Proposals – Where PCR could contribute to eco-modulation
- WasteDive Recycling Policy Tracker
- Canada Plastics Pact: Integrating Post-Consumer Recycled Content (PCR) in Plastic Packaging
- SPC: Guide To Recycled Plastics
Resources Requiring Memberships
Disclaimer
The U.S. Plastic Pact created this toolkit to assist U.S. Pact Activators in voluntarily purchasing postconsumer resin for their products and packaging. This toolkit does not contain any endorsements, recommendations, legal or financial advice, and should not be construed as such. The U.S. Pact and contributing authors are not liable for any business decisions that result from consulting this toolkit.