3-Layer Technology / PCR FAQ
What is the difference between recycled-content and post-consumer recycled (PCR) content?
A recycled-content product is an item that contains recovered materials. Recovered materials are wastes that have been diverted from conventional disposal such as landfills for another use. Recovered materials include both pre-consumer and post-consumer wastes.
Pre-consumer materials are generated by manufacturers and processors, and may consist of scrap, trimmings and other by-products that were never used in the consumer market.
Post-consumer material is an end product that has completed its life cycle as a consumer item and would otherwise have been disposed of as a solid waste. Post-consumer materials include recyclables collected in commercial and residential recycling programs, such as office paper, cardboard, aluminum cans, plastics and metals.
Recycled-content products may contain some pre-consumer waste, some post-consumer waste or both. A product does not have to contain 100 percent recovered materials to be considered "recycled," but clearly the higher the percentage of recycled content, the greater the amount of waste that is diverted from disposal. Always look at the level of post-consumer recycled content in a product.
Does the recycling symbol on consumer products mean the item is made from recycled materials or that the item can be recycled?
The recycling logo does not necessarily mean either. The use of the recycling logo is not regulated by law. If the label only says recycle or recyclable it may contain no recycled content. It also may not be possible to recycle that item in your area.
To ensure you are buying a product made from recycled materials check the label for words that indicate the product is made from recycled materials. When buying materials, look for labels that indicate the highest percentage of post consumer recycled content.
Are plastic bags containing recycled content inferior in quality?
Using recycled plastic in bags is not new technology. Until now, many buyers of recycled content bags would purchase "thicker" bags to compensate for the inconsistent product performance of recycle content bags. The unique technology used in the manufacturing of Greencore Can Liners™ with 70% Post Consumer Recycled (PCR) resin produces bags that meet or exceed performance characteristics of bags made with 100% virgin resin. This innovative technology allow buyers to purchase "Green" bags at the same thickness while reducing their carbon footprint by up to 40% when compared to bags made entirely of virgin resin.
