But At What Cost? 

In this month’s Set in Stone, we’re unpacking the overlooked costs of PCR and what they mean for manufacturers aiming to go green.  

A growing focus on sustainability has driven many manufacturers to consider post-consumer resin, i.e. recycled material derived from consumer plastic waste, a promising solution in reducing the environmental impact of plastic production. While post-consumer resin has a positive connotation in the sustainability space, there are hidden downfalls that are often ignored in the discussion.  

Some important disclaimers when discussing PCR are that supply is limited, and quality cannot be guaranteed. While there is a high demand, it is difficult to source. This is especially important for medical and food & beverage packaging sectors, where regulatory and safety concerns are stringent.  

PCR often varies in strength, clarity, or chemical resistance, limiting their application. Furthermore, recycling helps to delay disposal but does not eliminate the pollution made by plastic. Finally, PCR materials can end up being more costly than virgin plastics, while failing to reduce plastic waste at the end-of-life process. 

Unlike sourcing virgin material, brands, converters and suppliers must work as a team and make the proper investments to build a viable infrastructure. Sometimes, that means launching community initiatives. 

To truly tackle the problem of plastic waste, we should focus on solutions that reduce plastic at the source. Minimizing plastic production is the best way to minimize its pollution. Start Today