Sep. 01, 2025
Packaging has always been a vital factor to consider in the cosmetics industry. For a long time now, PCR recycled plastic has been the pick of many cosmetic companies, due to its high level of applications.
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In this article, we’ll look into the pros and cons, and modes of application of PCR plastic. We’ll also clue you in on places you can find PCR packaging. Read on.
PCR plastic is the latest packaging innovation that is now widely used across many industries, including the cosmetic industry. Not surprisingly, PCR plastic manufacture involves a meticulous process which we’ll cover below.
PCR—which is short for post-consumer resin— is an environmentally friendly material made from recycled plastics. These recycled plastics are mostly PET AND HDPE plastic products.
Although the composition and fabrication process of PCR plastic is meticulous, it isn’t complicated. After consumers have used plastics and disposed of them, PCR recycling plants pick out these plastics and sort these bottles according to their plastic type.
As mentioned earlier, the most common plastics are PET and HDPE. When these plastics are categorized, they are typically broken down into resin pellets. The PCR recycling plants then reheat these pellets and remold them into a new product.
PCR plastic could be added in percentages to virgin plastic, or it could be used to fully make a new plastic product. However, it is important to note that the higher the PCR percentage, the less transparent it will be. In fact, many companies refrain from using 100% PCR to manufacture their packaging products in order to maintain the virgin resin look.
PCR plastics are used to create packaging materials and consumer products, and are frequently used in the building and construction industry. Let’s take a look at these modes of application.
Many packaging companies are choosing to incorporate a particular percentage of PCR into their virgin plastic products. An example of this is the recycled cosmetic bottle produced by Cosmopacks. These sturdy PCR plastic bottles are just as durable and have as much quality as virgin plastic bottles.
That said, you can use PCR plastic to make bottles, containers, and jars. films, and trays. By using this material, the production of new plastic products will be significantly reduced.
Asides from PCR plastic bottles, this environmentally-friendly material can be used to create various consumer products. Some of these products include cleaning products, office supplies such as pens, and electronics such as the casing for wires.
Additionally, PCR cosmetic packaging and toiletry companies have now found ways to incorporate this material into several products and packaging options. PCR can even be used for manufacturing particular types of clothing!
Due to the requirements of the building and construction industry, much plastic is needed on a daily basis. Flooring, drainage, roofing, and decking processes all involve the use of various types of plastics.
Currently, you can find PCR plastics being used to make pipes for drainage. They are also used for plastic roofing tiles and insulating materials in the construction of buildings.
PCR packaging undoubtedly has lots of advantages, both to companies and the environment. Some of these include environmental sustainability, conservation of resources, regulatory compliance with the involved bodies, cost efficiency, and the development of a positive brand image. Here are these advantages in better detail.
Presently, over 3.2 billion people are affected by land pollution, and the abundance of plastic products is a significant factor contributing to that. Polluted lands often lose their agricultural value, and, in extreme cases, become uninhabitable.
Fortunately, the PCR material helps to preserve the environment’s health and reduce the amount of waste being dumped at landfills. Engaging in constant PCR recycling, it’ll help our planet to maintain an ecological balance and protect the well-being of generations to come.
Rather than using new plastic material each time you want to make a product, PCR material offers you the ability to conserve a lot of resources. These resources can be put to use elsewhere and will aid the conservation of resources for generations to come.
Nowadays, consumers frown upon and shun products that contain a high amount of virgin plastic. Environmentally conscious consumers now look for the nose eco-friendly products on the market. By using PCR cosmetic packaging, your brand and products will appeal to these audiences, and position you as a brand who cares about the well-being of the planet.
Cosmopacks have several products that are extremely eco-friendly, and some of these include PCR plastic bottles, jars, and tubes, ready for any brand’s use and customization.
Due to the high level of land pollution on the planet, several regulatory bodies have put policies in place to prevent the continued production of abundant plastic waste.
Luckily, using PCR plastic products from packaging companies like Cosmopacks ensures you stay well within compliance with these policies. Using this material keeps you on the right side of the law and prevents you from attracting unnecessary penalties and fines.
Lastly, using PCR, rather than virgin plastic, helps you save lots of money on production and packaging. This saved-up money can be redirected towards other parts of the business, fostering faster growth and development.
When manufactured expertly, this PCR recycled plastic material is often as durable and sturdy as its virgin plastic counterpart.
Although there are lots of benefits to using PCR, there are a few drawbacks. These are its limited supply and quality inconsistencies. Let’s look at these.
As helpful as this material is, it can only be created with the presence of PCR-recycled plastic. If you’re a large company with lots of orders to fulfill daily, this material might not be sufficient. It’s much more common to find virgin plastics than PCR plastics.
However, if you’re a small business focused on eco-friendliness, limited supply shouldn’t be a problem.
As mentioned earlier, PCR plastics don’t exhibit the same physical appearance of purity that virgin plastics do. During the formulation process, there’s no telling what color it’ll come out in, or how clear the material will be.
Additionally, its physical properties often vary after manufacture; some might come out sturdy, while others may come out defective. Ultimately, it affects its aesthetics and functionality. Many larger companies choose to stick with virgin plastic materials because of this.
A good cosmetic packaging manufacturing company like Cosmopacks employs standardized production techniques in producing cosmetic packaging. From material selection to the design and final production, our quality control team inspects the products to assure that the best quality products are delivered.
Cosmopacks has some of the best PCR packagings for cosmetics. Besides, all our products comply with the standard safety requirements and regulations.
All PCR cosmetic packaging manufactured by Cosmopacks is done in compliance with the necessary safety regulation, and done to the required standard. You can be sure our cosmetics packaging will have no negative effect on the cosmetics, or on its users.
Cosmopacks PCR cosmetic packaging can be easily customized to suit different brand requirements. We have transparent and clear options that give cosmetic manufacturers a blank canvas to display their creativity and customize the packaging to taste.
Using PCR plastics has more advantages than disadvantages in cosmetic packaging. Recycling plastic will now only produce a useful product from used plastic, but will save the ecosystem from the imminent danger plastic disposal poses to the environment.
Cosmopacks offers highly-customizable PCR cosmetic packaging products that are affordable. Using advanced technology, our PCR packaging will give an elegant appeal to your cosmetic product.
As the demand for sustainable packaging continues to grow, brands and manufacturers are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint and reliance on virgin plastics. One of the most effective strategies is incorporating post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials into packaging. PCR materials have many sustainability benefits, reducing plastic waste, supporting a circular economy, and helping brands meet evolving eco-friendly packaging regulations.
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Is PCR Plastic Recyclable.
Though when it comes to food contact packaging, using PCR material presents unique challenges. Issues such as contamination risks, regulatory approvals, and material performance must be carefully managed to ensure both food safety compliance and sustainability. In this article, we’ll explore the different types of recycled content, the challenges of using PCR in food packaging, and the certifications required for food-safe recycled materials.
Understanding the different types of recycled plastic is essential for choosing the right material for food-grade packaging. There are four key variations of recycled plastic in packaging;
There are two main adopted methods of plastic recycling - mechanical and chemical. Each has their pros and cons, and plays a significant role in the application of PCR in food contact packaging.
Mechanical Recycling
The most common plastic recycling method, mechanical recycling involves washing, shredding, and reprocessing plastics into new materials. However, this method does not fully remove contaminants like inks, adhesives, and food residues, making it more challenging to use for food-contact applications unless strict food-grade recycling processes are followed.
Chemical Recycling
A newer technology, chemical recycling breaks plastics down to their molecular level, removing impurities and producing high-quality recycled plastic that can be used in food-safe packaging. Although more expensive and less widely available, this method is expected to play a significant role in the future of sustainable packaging.
While PCR packaging is a viable alternative, it has historically come with several challenges. Contamination is a primary concern, as residual chemicals, inks, and adhesives from previously used plastics must be completely removed to meet food safety standards.
Beyond contamination, PCR plastics can be harder to process due to their rough texture, making it challenging to achieve high-quality printing. Some recycled resins also tend to be weaker or more brittle than virgin plastic, which can impact packaging durability and machine efficiency.
However, despite these challenges, advancements in plastic recycling technologies are improving the usability and safety of food-grade PCR materials.
Contrary to popular belief, PCR materials can be certified as food-safe. The most commonly approved material for food-contact use is PCR PET, which is widely used for beverage bottles and food containers. HDPE also has strong food-contact approval, particularly in rigid packaging. PP is gaining recognition, while LDPE and LLDPE are newer entrants in food-safe PCR packaging, with mechanical recycling now enabling food-grade approvals in some cases.
To obtain food-contact certification, PCR materials must come from controlled recycling streams, undergo strict purification processes, and pass extensive food safety testing.
With global packaging regulations becoming stricter and consumer demand for sustainable products increasing, ensuring that food packaging is both eco-friendly and food-safe is crucial.
To ensure compliance with food safety standards, brands should look for recycled packaging materials that meet the following certifications:
At a high level, certifying PCR packaging materials involves rigorous migration testing to ensure that no harmful substances transfer from the packaging to food. Purity screening checks for residual contaminants, while process control audits verify that the recycling and manufacturing processes meet food safety compliance standards.
At Grounded, we source our PCR materials from certified recycling streams that meet the highest sustainability and food safety standards. Our materials hold Global Recycled Standard (GRS) and TÜV OK Recycled certifications, ensuring responsible collection and processing.
To maintain food safety, we implement additional testing and strict quality controls, guaranteeing that our PCR flexible packaging meets international food contact standards. By prioritizing traceability and compliance, we help brands achieve their sustainability goals without compromising on food safety.
For brands looking to transition to sustainable food packaging, using certified food-safe PCR materials provides several advantages. It ensures regulatory compliance, builds consumer trust, and supports sustainable business practices. As more eco-conscious consumers demand plastic-free and recycled packaging, brands must adapt by investing in high-quality PCR solutions that align with both environmental and food safety standards.
With global sustainability regulations tightening, businesses that integrate food-safe recycled content into their packaging strategies will gain a competitive edge. By choosing certified PCR packaging, brands can drive sustainability leadership while delivering safe, high-quality products to consumers.
Read more about the latest in packaging regulations in the UK here and USA here.
Ready to explore PCR materials for your packaging? Contact our team today for more information.
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