PCR generally refers to resin that has had a previous life in some sort of consumer goods item, probably packaging. There are many other resins in the market which are not strictly PCR but may still provide a substantial benefit to the environment compared to virgin fossil fuel based polymers. These include:
• PIR, a term used by some to differentiate between Post Consumer Resin and Post Industrial Resin. With PIR, the original item may not have actually been in the consumer chain in the market but could come from items such as crates and pallets in the distribution chain, or even from process waste in factories using these resins. It still helps the environment and is often significantly better than PCR for consistency.
• Bioplastic, and in particular Biopolymer, are terms used for plastics made from renewable biomass sources such as plants and not from fossil fuels. The term does not necessarily mean that the plastic is Biodegradable and may be misunderstood.
• Biodegradable and compostable – biodegradable plastics are designed to break down quicker than normal plastics. There is much debate currently between recyclers, producers and industry experts as to just how much benefit these materials bring to the environment, as they disrupt the normal recycling process and will not necessarily break down harmlessly in landfill unless the conditions are right. It may depend on the speed at which it degrades in which case, if it is fast enough, it may be able to be composted in garden rubbish and never actually enter the recycling stream.
In summary, the fastest and most economical way to show you care is to use a percentage of recycled polymer in your packaging - it can only do good.
If you have any questions on Post-Consumer Recycled Plastics, PCR Packaging. We will give the professional answers to your questions.