Products with recycled content from PCR and PIR
packconsult organises the sourcing of bags, sacks, pouches and films with recycled content from PCR or PIR materials. Depending on the product, technical requirements and availability, recycled materials can be used to reduce the share of virgin material and better address sustainability requirements.
Each application is considered individually. The key question is whether recycled materials are suitable for the function, quality, availability and documentation requirements of the respective product.
PCR and PIR materials for bags, sacks, pouches and films
PCR stands for post-consumer recycled material. This is recycled material obtained from products or packaging that have already been used.
PIR stands for post-industrial recycled material. This material comes from industrial production or processing operations and is reintroduced into manufacturing.
Both types of material can help increase the recycled content in PE products, depending on the application. Which solution is suitable depends on the product, the required quality and the requirements for processing, appearance and documentation.
Possible products with recycled content
Depending on the technical requirements and manufacturing options, different products with PCR or PIR content can be considered. These include, for example:
- refuse bags and refuse sacks
- collection sacks
- garden sacks
- mailing bags, press-seal bags, slider bags and other resealable bags
- bags for commercial applications
- films on rolls
- packaging films
- protective films
- individually converted PE products
- custom-made products according to customer specifications
Not every product is equally suitable for every level of recycled content. That is why packconsult works with you to clarify which material composition makes sense from a technical, economic and quality perspective.
Material selection and technical feasibility
The use of recycled materials affects product properties. Depending on the PCR or PIR content, colour, transparency, odour, tear resistance, processing, surface or printability can change.
packconsult coordinates your requirements with suitable partner factories and checks which material blend is suitable for your product. This includes, among other things:
- desired recycled content
- material type and material origin
- technical load capacity
- material thickness
- colour and transparency
- processing and conversion
- printability
- application
- order quantity
- availability
- documentation and supporting evidence
This creates a product specification that brings together sustainability requirements, technical requirements and economic feasibility.
In addition to PCR and PIR materials, other sustainability-related material options can also be considered depending on the product and application. These may include higher recycled content, material blends with a reduced share of virgin material or, if technically, economically and regulatorily suitable, bio-based material solutions. The focus is always on the specific application, required product quality, available quantities, supporting documentation and feasibility with suitable partner factories.
Recycled content, certifications and supporting evidence
For products with PCR or PIR materials, supporting evidence, certifications or confirmations can play an important role. Depending on customer requirements, tenders or product specifications, information on recycled content, material origin, certifications or production standards may be relevant.
packconsult obtains this information from the partner factories, classifies it for your sourcing project and makes it available. Depending on the project, this may include certifications or standards such as GRS, BSCI, Sedex, ISO standards or other product- and supply-chain-related evidence.
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Differentiation from packaging requirements and PPWR
Products with recycled content are not automatically packaging within the meaning of the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, PPWR. The decisive factor is the intended purpose of the respective product.
Refuse bags, collection sacks or comparable products may be subject to different requirements than films or bags that are actually used for packaging, wrapping, protecting or transporting goods.
If products are to be used as packaging, packconsult works with you to assess whether PPWR-relevant requirements for material, recycled content, documentation or product design need to be considered.
Would you like to source products with PCR or PIR content?
Talk to us about your product, planned quantities and requirements for material, recycled content, quality and documentation. Together, we assess which solution is suitable and feasible for your sourcing project.
Discuss your sourcing project →