Impact Adds Post-Consumer Recycled PET to Materials Portfolio!

Impact Plastics is excited to announce the addition of a post-consumer recycled PET solution to our materials portfolio! Available in monolayer or multi-layer coextrusion with up to 100% PRC content, our 1620E post-consumer RPET is compliant with FDA requirements and suitable for thermoformed packaging applications in the food, foodservice, medical and consumer goods markets. PCR materials are derived from recycled plastics, and their use is increasingly in demand due to environmental regulations, supply chain challenges, and the need for sustainable packaging solutions.

PCR PET (Post-Consumer Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate) is an environmentally friendly material that offers excellent sustainability and performance advantages, making it an ideal choice where packaging sustainability is a priority. Derived from the recycling of PET bottles and other PET-based products, PCR PET helps reduce plastic waste and promote a circular economy. In the field of packaging, PCR PET is commonly used for sheet extrusion and thermoforming processes. The material retains the inherent properties of virgin PET, such as good clarity, mechanical strength, and chemical resistance, allowing for the production of high-quality sheets and rollstock films that can be further processed in thermoforming, making it a suitable substitute for traditional packaging materials. Using PCR material in product packaging appeals to eco-conscious consumers and retailers seeking sustainable options, and companies produce packaging with varying levels of PCR use to meet different industry requirements.

One of the key advantages of using PCR PET in packaging is its positive environmental impact. By diverting post-consumer PET waste from landfills, PCR PET significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions and conserves natural resources. PCR products contribute to the circular economy and help reduce the carbon footprint of plastic products. The closed-loop recycling system involved in its production helps create a more sustainable packaging solution compared to materials reliant on virgin petrochemical feedstocks. Post consumer waste is collected, sorted, and processed to create post consumer resin, which is then used in manufacturing new packaging. In addition, PCR PET exhibits satisfactory mechanical properties for sheet extrusion and thermoforming applications. While there may be some reduction in mechanical performance compared to virgin PET, it still offers sufficient strength and durability for packaging requirements. The use of high quality material in PCR PET is essential to ensure consistent performance and market acceptance. The level of recycled content in PCR PET can vary, ranging from 25% up to 100%, with higher percentages providing greater sustainability benefits. Reducing reliance on virgin PET and other virgin materials by using recycled material offers significant environmental benefits, including less waste and lower resource consumption.

Impact Plastic’s PCR PET offers a sustainable and cost-effective solution for packaging applications in various thicknesses 0.010” to 0.060” and width up to 63” for use in various packaging products, including trays, clamshells, containers, and blister packs. PCR PET is also used in rigid plastics such as trays and containers, and is compatible with other recyclable packaging formats like HDPE, further supporting recycling efforts. With its positive environmental impact, versatile properties, and compatibility with existing processing techniques, PCR PET enables the production of high-quality packaging materials while reducing the reliance on virgin PET and contributing to a more circular and sustainable packaging industry. Laws passed in several states now mandate the use of post consumer recycled PCR content in packaging, and companies are adapting their processes to comply with these regulations. Incorporating PCR into packaging helps conserve landfill space and supports recycling efforts, while pcr certification is important for regulatory compliance and consumer trust. The manufacturing process for post industrial recycled content involves recycling manufacturing scrap within the facility before it reaches the consumer market, whereas post consumer recycled content is sourced from used products collected after consumer use. Sourcing and using PCR plastics and recycled plastics, especially for food contact and flexible packaging applications, presents both challenges and benefits due to quality, contamination, and regulatory requirements. Sustainable products made with PCR content are increasingly favored in the consumer market, and the importance of recyclable and sustainable option packaging continues to grow to meet both consumer and regulatory demands. Reducing the amount of plastic produced from virgin materials helps decrease overall waste and supports the circular economy. The need to recycle and the role of recyclable packaging are critical in supporting a sustainable supply chain. PCR packaging plays a key role in reducing environmental impact and supporting sustainability goals.

Download the technical data sheet for Impact’s 1620E PCR PET to learn more:

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Understanding Recycled Content Terms

In the world of sustainable packaging, understanding recycled content terms is key to making informed choices that help reduce plastic waste and support a healthier environment. Recycled materials are those that have been diverted from the waste stream and processed into new products, playing a vital role in minimizing the environmental impact of plastic packaging.

Recycled content refers to the portion of a product made from materials that have been recovered or diverted from the landfill. This can include both pre-consumer and post-consumer recycled content. Post-consumer recycled content is especially significant—it comes from materials that have already served their intended purpose for consumers, such as used plastic bottles or cardboard boxes, and have been collected, sorted, and reprocessed into new packaging or products. By incorporating post-consumer recycled materials into packaging, manufacturers help close the loop in the recycling process, giving discarded materials a second life and reducing the demand for virgin resources.

Using post-consumer recycled content in plastic packaging not only conserves raw materials but also lessens the environmental impact by keeping plastic and other materials out of landfills. As more consumers and businesses seek sustainable packaging options, understanding these terms empowers everyone to make choices that contribute to a more sustainable future. Whether it’s a food container made from recycled plastic or a shipping box crafted from recycled cardboard, every product with recycled content helps move the packaging industry toward greater sustainability.

Download the technical data sheet for Impact's 1620E PCR PET to learn more: