The Power of Post-Consumer Recycled Plastics
At CRATIV Packaging we strive to bring the most sustainable, compliant and brand friendly packaging to the cannabis industry and in our quest for a more sustainable future, we are incredibly proud to offer our sleek and durable CRATIV cases in an all-new 50% blend of traditional plastic and post-consumer recycled materials. The utilization of post-consumer recycled plastics in packaging brings forth a myriad of environmental, economic, and social benefits. Let’s dive into the key aspects that make this eco-friendly approach a game-changer.
1. Resource Conservation:
- Reduced Raw Material Consumption: By incorporating post-consumer recycled plastics, we curb the demand for new raw materials, conserving natural resources and lessening the environmental impact of plastic production.
2. Energy Savings:
- Lower Energy Consumption: The production of recycled plastics consumes less energy than manufacturing new plastics from virgin materials, contributing to reduced greenhouse gas emissions and a more sustainable production process.
3. Waste Reduction:
- Diverting Waste from Landfills: Post-consumer recycled plastics directly reduce the amount of plastic waste entering landfills, supporting effective waste management strategies and combating global plastic pollution.
4. Carbon Footprint Reduction:
- Lower Carbon Emissions: The production of recycled plastics results in fewer greenhouse gas emissions, aiding in the fight against climate change and promoting environmentally friendly packaging solutions.
5. Circular Economy:
- Encouraging a Circular Economy: Embracing post-consumer recycled plastics aligns with the principles of a circular economy, promoting a sustainable and regenerative approach to resource management.
6. Consumer Perception:
- Meeting Consumer Expectations: Packaging made from post-consumer recycled plastics reflects a commitment to sustainability, enhancing a company’s reputation and meeting the rising environmental awareness of consumers.
7. Regulatory Compliance:
- Compliance with Regulations: Utilizing post-consumer recycled plastics helps businesses stay compliant with evolving environmental regulations, especially as regions and countries implement standards for recycled materials in packaging.
8. Innovation and Technology:
- Advancements in Recycling Technology: Ongoing developments in recycling technologies improve the quality and availability of post-consumer recycled plastics, supporting the growth of a more sustainable packaging industry.
9. Cost Efficiency:
- Economic Benefits: Despite initial concerns about costs, the use of recycled plastics can lead to long-term savings. As demand for recycled materials increases, economies of scale may make recycled plastics more cost-competitive.
10. Collaboration and Industry Leadership:
- Driving Change in the Industry: Adopting post-consumer recycled plastics positions a company as a leader in sustainable practices, fostering industry-wide collaboration and inspiring others to follow suit.
Coloration Challenge:
- Addressing Color Limitations: While PCR PP is essentially cost-neutral, challenges arise in coloring PCR brightly. Dark colors are preferable, and for bright hues, reducing PCR content and developing specific colors for applications becomes necessary.
PCR and the Future of Sustainability:
- Current Status: In 2022, only 8.5% of plastics were recycled in the United States. The EPA reported that around 94% of the U.S. population had access to recycling programs in 2018, highlighting the potential for increased recycling efforts.
Incorporating these talking points strengthens the case for adopting post-consumer recycled plastics, emphasizing the holistic advantages of this sustainable choice. The journey toward a more eco-friendly future is not only feasible but also crucial for the well-being of our planet.
