Welcome to PCR10 – Spectra’s bold new environmental initiative aimed at helping customers move towards more sustainable packaging solutions.
PCR10 is a mandatory opt-out scheme that will see a minimum of 10% PCR (Post-Consumer Recycled) materials included in new bottle manufacturing projects by the end of 2018.
Provided at no extra cost, with no effect on existing specifications, PCR10 is aimed at reducing the level of virgin materials in the products we manufacture. We are encouraging both new and existing customers to join us in an exciting new initiative designed to help facilitate a circular economy for the good of the environment.
What is PCR?
PCR is recycled plastic made from discarded items such as plastic milk and drinks bottles and is an environmentally sustainable solution for reusing single-use materials that would otherwise be disposed of in landfill sites.
The production of PCR begins with the collection and sorting of these discarded plastics in commercial and residential recycling programs. The recovered items are ground, washed, dried and pelletised – ready to be used again in future manufacturing. Primarily sourced in the UK to minimise transportation carbon footprint, Spectra’s PCR materials are closely monitored for traceability and reassurance and meet stringent European food contact regulations for genuine peace of mind.
What are the benefits of PCR?
– PCR reduces virgin plastic consumption
– PCR reuses recovered plastics such as single-use items
– The use of PCR greatly reduces landfill dumping
– PCR can be recycled again for new manufacturing
– PCR plastics don’t require any further depletion of new fossil fuels
– Spectra’s PCR is primarily sourced in the UK to reduce transport and lessen our carbon footprint
– Using PCR packaging helps brands show consumers they care about the impact of their product packaging on the environment
– The use of post-consumer resins help forge a circular economy
You can take PCR to higher levels
Although Spectra’s PCR10 provides an ideal introduction to the environmental benefits of recycled plastics, customers can increase the levels of PCR in their packaging to percentage levels up to 100%.
Increasing the level of provides an even greater sustainable solution for customers looking to embrace the circular benefits
of recycled content in their product packaging.
There are hardly any noticeable differences with 10% PCR, however, increasing levels beyond that percentage may result in some colour variations from batch to batch. This is because PCR originates from discarded plastics and as a result, there can be a small number of inclusions in source materials.
Reassuringly, Spectra’s expert team can advise and guide on suitability, dependant on specific customer objectives and requirements. Whenever customers look at moving to recycled plastics, Spectra would always recommend testing to ensure they are happy with the end result before manufacture.
To find out more about Spectra’s PCR10 or any of our sustainable packaging solutions, call +44 (0)1986 834190 or email sales@spectra-packaging.co.uk
