You know us — we specialize in packaging, which means plastic. Lots and lots of polyethylene. Plastic. The good (and admittedly bad) thing about plastic polymers is that they’re tough and durable, and seemingly never biodegrade.
When it comes to PCR content, this works in plastic’s favor.
It actually takes less energy and resources to sort and recycle post-consumer plastic than to polymerize new. This makes 25% PCR a more sustainable option than virgin plastic. Plus, it keeps this indestructible stuff out of landfills (and out of the ocean).
This is where the material integrity of recycled plastic resin shines. If recycled, the urban tumbleweeds known as plastic bags can have more lives than a cat. PCR can be recycled again and again. And again. And again. And a lot of agains. They’re not the only thing that’s going to save the sea turtles, but they’re a clear step forward.
Customers like PCR content too. After all, unlike some other sustainability initiatives, there’s virtually no debate about its environmental value. True, the cost is a bit higher due to the extensive cleaning and sorting it takes to reclaim recycled resins, but reprocessing is growing and scale drives a lot of cost efficiencies. These days, it’s competitively priced with virgin materials. It’s also less prone to price fluctuations due to tariffs or the price of petroleum.
Scoot Over, PCR Needs a Seat at the Table
The folks already using PCR in their packaging include your favorite soda makers, whether you’re Team Pepsi or Team Coke or wondering why anyone considers those options when there’s Dr. Pepper. The retailer with a red bullseye. Organic snackmakers. The folks who make consolation prizes in the form of ice cream. Not to mention our partner and parent, Berry Global, and other packaging manufacturers.
These companies and others are already on board. Most have commitments to increase the amount of PCR they use in years to come. Customers were ready for PCR long before we joined the party.
The apparent value of PCR is so high that some states are banning single-use plastics altogether. California has put an outright kibosh on single-use plastic bags at retail stores. The state simultaneously required that all reusable plastic bags be made with at least 20% post-consumer plastic. Maine and Vermont have followed suit with a bag ban.
Requiring recycled content is starting to domino on multiple levels. So, distributors have a ready market.
PCR Comes to NFC Bags
With PCR, now everyone can feel good about shopping. Laddawn’s suite of merchandise bags is expanding to include four common sizes with 25% PCR. Die-cut or patch handles depending on what your customer needs. Plus, six of the most commonly requested sizes in traditional LDPE, clear or white.
These new bags take advantage of PCR sourced from existing Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE). We all agree, any plastic that gets recycled and reused is a win. But recycled LDPE turned into PCR resin happens to be one of the most versatile, and it’s perfect for packaging, film, and bags (among other stuff).
