PCR cosmetic packaging

PCR stands for post-consumer recycled — plastic collected from consumers, processed and remanufactured into new packaging. It reduces reliance on virgin plastic and supports circular-economy and regulatory goals (EU PPWR, UK EPR). PCR content is expressed as a percentage, e.g. 30% or 100%.

For most PP and PE formats, 30–100% is achievable. 30% is the cost-effective entry point; 50% is increasingly the credible-claim standard; 100% is available for select bottles, jars and tubes at a premium. Clear PET/PETG PCR is available where transparency matters.

We require a third-party PCR content certificate — typically GRS (Global Recycled Standard) — from the resin supplier, not just a factory declaration, on every PCR order. We provide this certificate so your recycled-content claim is defensible on shelf and with regulators.

PCR refers to what the packaging is made from; recyclability refers to what happens after use. They're separate. For a recyclability claim, we route to mono-material PE or PP structures and verify the whole pack (including labels and inserts) is compatible — we'll advise on both.

There's usually a modest premium over virgin plastic, which narrows at higher volumes and varies with PCR percentage. Many brands find the sustainability positioning and regulatory readiness worth it — we'll quote virgin vs PCR side by side so you can decide.