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Post-industrial recycled plastic: What is it?
The term post-industrial recycled plastic refers to plastic materials discarded in industrial processes that do not reach the market for final consumer sale. This includes production waste, cut-offs, or scraps from manufacturers using plastic in their production processes.
Post-industrial plastic is typically of fairly good quality and can be recycled and reused for the same production process or for the creation of new plastic products. By recycling this type of plastic and reintegrating it into the same transformation process, it prevents it from ending up in landfills and contributes to a more sustainable use of resources.
Examples of post-industrial plastic may include manufacturing waste from packaging such as bottles and jerrycans, pipe waste, electronic components, among others. These waste materials are collected, sorted, and processed by a waste manager to give them a new purpose, avoiding the use of virgin plastic and reducing environmental impact.
Post-consumer recycled plastic (PCR): What is it?
Post-consumer recycled plastic, or PCR, refers to plastic that has been collected, sorted, and processed to be reused after its life as a consumer product. This means the plastic has been used by consumers and then recycled for subsequent use in manufacturing new products. Using post-consumer recycled plastic to manufacture new products helps reduce the amount of plastic waste in landfills and conserves the natural resources used in virgin plastic production.
Advantages of using post-consumer recycled plastic for plastic packaging
- Reduction of plastic waste: Using post-consumer recycled plastic allows giving new life to plastic waste, preventing it from accumulating in landfills or polluting the environment.
- Saving natural resources: Using recycled plastic reduces the need to extract and process virgin raw materials, leading to energy and water savings.
- Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions: The manufacturing process of post-consumer plastic appears to generate fewer CO2 emissions compared to virgin plastic production.
- Increased environmental awareness: Using recycled plastic packaging can help promote environmental awareness among consumers and encourage a circular economy.
Keep reading: Challenges in Plastic packaging and the environment
Disadvantages of using post-consumer plastic for plastic packaging
- Reduced quality and durability: In some cases, recycled plastic may have lower quality and durability than virgin plastic, affecting the lifespan of the packaging.
- Residual contamination: Post-consumer recycled plastic, obtained through mechanical recycling, may contain traces of contaminants acquired during its original use, affecting the safety or quality of the final product.
- Higher cost: The collection, sorting, and recycling process of post-consumer plastic can be more expensive than virgin plastic production, potentially impacting the final packaging price.
- Technical limitations: Some applications of plastic packaging, especially those requiring high transparency or strength, may face technical limitations when using recycled plastic.
Homologation of post-industrial and post-consumer recycled plastic for use in new packaging
Both post-industrial and post-consumer recycled plastic must be homologated for use in the manufacturing of new packaging. Homologating recycled plastic involves subjecting it to tests and analyses to ensure it meets the necessary quality and safety requirements for use in packaging.
This ensures that recycled plastic does not contain hazardous substances and has the proper mechanical properties to fulfill its function as packaging. Homologation is also crucial to guarantee the traceability of recycled materials and promote transparency in the recycling process.
There is no single global standard for homologating recycled plastic. Many countries have regulations and standards related to recycling and waste management, including post-consumer plastic. These standards may vary depending on the country and its environmental legislation.
The European standard specifying the necessary procedures for the traceability of recycled plastics is UNE-EN . This standard provides the basis for calculating the recycled content of a product: "Recycled plastics. Traceability and assessment of conformity for recycled plastics and recycled content." It establishes requirements and test methods for recycled plastics from municipal solid waste and mechanical recycling of plastic packaging, enabling them to be used in the manufacturing of non-food products.
UNE-EN is a European standard that sets requirements and test methods for recycled plastics intended for use in manufactured products. Its goal is to ensure that recycled plastics have suitable properties for use in products, complying with quality and safety standards.
Keep learning: Sustainable plastic storage of chemicals: An approach to the circular economy and safety
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Post-Consumer Plastic Reuse.
The standard establishes criteria for classifying recycled plastics into different categories based on their origin, recycling processes, and technical characteristics. It also sets minimum quality requirements for these recycled plastics, including physical, mechanical, and thermal properties.
Additionally, it defines the testing methods that should be used to determine the properties of recycled plastics, including tests for strength, hardness, density, thermal stability, among others.
UNE-EN standard: Why is it important?
Its importance lies in standardizing the requirements and test methods for recycled plastic used in plastic products. It is crucial for promoting the use of recycled plastic as an alternative that supports sustainability, reduces the environmental impact of plastic waste, and fosters a circular economy.
The UNE-EN standard establishes quality and safety criteria to ensure that recycled plastic meets the technical and health requirements necessary for its use in plastic products. This is essential to ensure that products made with recycled plastic are safe for users and comply with established technical specifications.
In conclusion, the homologation of recycled plastic, whether post-industrial or post-consumer, plays a fundamental role in the transition to a circular and sustainable economy. The UNE-EN standard serves as an essential pillar by setting rigorous criteria for the quality and safety of recycled plastics used in the manufacturing of new products.
This standard not only contributes to reducing the environmental impact of plastic waste but also promotes environmental awareness and encourages the adoption of more responsible practices in plastic material management. Adhering to these standards promotes the creation of more sustainable packaging, mitigating the negative effects of plastic on the environment and moving towards a greener future.
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Published on March 16,
&#;As of early , four states have passed laws requiring post-consumer recycled content in plastic packaging; several more states have proposed laws to date this year, and there are broad-scale proposals actively under development in Canada and the European Union.&#;
Recycled content requirements for plastic containers have been adopted by four states as of , and requirements are already in effect in two of these states: California for plastic beverage containers and reusable plastic bags, and Washington for reusable plastic carryout bags, plastic beverage containers, and trash bags. The chart below outlines all recycled content laws passed to date, as well as the role of PCR Certification in the rulemaking process underway.
In short, PCR requirements are here and this emphasis on recycled content appears likely to continue as policy makers aim to reduce plastic pollution and accelerate a circular economy. Key dates and details for packaging manufacturers and brand companies are outlined below. One thing is for sure: change is coming, and you&#;ll want to keep up with the latest updates. Don&#;t get left behind. Get certified today!
As of early , four states have passed laws requiring post-consumer recycled content in plastic packaging; several more states have proposed laws to date this year, and there are broad-scale proposals actively under development in Canada and the European Union. In addition, there is renewed state-level attention on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for packaging policies to increase recycling rates. It is becoming more common for EPR policies to also include recycled content goals or incentives, which is seen as a complementary way to combine supply and demand side policies to improve recycling in a comprehensive way. All content mandates or incentives in existing or proposed laws specify PCR recycled content. Post-industrial (pre-consumer) material will not meet requirements.
The APR has a strong history of supporting mandatory post-consumer recycled content , along with third-party certification for post-consumer resin . Certifying PCR provides transparency and accountability for all stakeholders, from consumers through to brand companies, further sustaining a robust, fair, and trusted recycling system. Both Oregon and California cite the APR&#;s PCR Certification Program, or similar third-party certification, in their policies (see below).
Using post-consumer resin (PCR) content in plastic packaging is one of the most effective ways to reduce the environmental impact of the packaging . It also helps build and stabilize recycled markets, level the competitive playing field, and provide an environment for end market investment, innovation and growth. This, in turn, can support the expansion and stability of community recycling programs.
PCR Certification Requirements
At this time, third-party PCR certification is required under California SB 270; it can be required at the state&#;s discretion under New Jersey&#;s S and is potentially in scope for Maine&#;s discretionary advisory committee under LD . PCR record-keeping and the potential for third-party certification will be discussed during ongoing rule making processes.
How does PCR fit with EPR legislation?
PCR requirements strengthen and stabilize market demand, but by themselves do not result in more supply. In other words, the fact that package converters need more recycled resin supply does not mean that consumers will automatically put more recyclables in the bin, or that municipalities will recover more materials. To be successful, recycled content requirements that create stronger demand for recycled materials must be paired with supply-side policies that directly influence households and businesses to recycle more, such as EPR, deposit return systems (bottle bills), landfill bans, and more.
The good news is that there&#;s a growing trend to combine recycled content goals and incentives in Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws. EPR laws have been passed in four states by the end of and 10 states have introduced EPR proposals in . Packaging EPR policies broadly apply to most consumer-facing packaging, including most food and beverage packaging, but vary slightly state by state. By contrast, PCR rates are traditionally set by specific material types like plastic beverage containers or trash bags.
Under an EPR program, there are two ways in which PCR can be addressed:
For more information, please visit Is PCR Plastic Recyclable.
- Establishing PCR rates: PCR rates are either specifically set in the legislation, or the legislation requires the state or the PRO to propose PCR goals as part of the EPR program plan.
- Provide eco-modulation incentives: Brand companies are rewarded for higher PCR usage through financial incentives that lower their fees under the EPR program. These financial incentives or penalties are called eco-modulation factors and are used in EPR programs to influence packaging design. For example, producers may pay a lower fee for a package containing higher PCR levels or pay higher fees on products with less PCR or that are harder to recycle.
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