PCR or how to reuse and perform with CARTIER!

One of the 2024 packaging revolutions? Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR)! But why? That’s what we’re going to tell you.

With countries around the world legislating to encourage companies to use products made from recycled materials, you don’t want to miss the boat!

And since these regulations will be coming to Canada and Quebec in the next few years, why not position yourself as a forerunner in the field today?

First of all, a little definition: don’t confuse PCR – “Post-Consumer Recycled” – with… PCR (!!!) or “Pre-Consumer Recycled”. The first comes from recycled consumer waste; the second, from industrial scraps which, as a result, have never been used by consumers.

OK, but how is the PCR we’re interested in made? Take some waste, put it through the “sorting-cleaning-grinding” process and you get little granules, which become your new raw material for your components. Goodbye virgin raw materials, welcome intelligent reuse! Following this transformation, companies use different quantities of PCR depending on their products, while retaining their original technical characteristics. Quite a challenge!

Part 1: PCR, reuse. Part 2: PCR, the environmental ally! In fact, the brands that choose PCR contribute significantly to reducing landfill waste. That’s right: opting for PCR means less extraction of non-renewable natural raw materials, and therefore less impact on ecosystems. And when you consider that PCR is used not only in the design of plastic products, but in many other components, it’s easy to understand why it’s so popular.

So, is PCR the ultimate solution to all our over-packaging and pollution problems? Maybe… provided we put it to the test! Let’s put on our consultant’s hat and take a step back together.

As it is made from recycled material, PCR has already had a first life. As a result, its technical capabilities may not be optimal. Far be it for us to break up the party, but validating its performance for your needs before changing your habits is the mission of our experts and our laboratory!

Our society is more aware than ever of environmental issues. And so are consumers. The proof? Their increasingly high expectations of companies in terms of their eco-responsible actions. Their desire? To see concrete changes and truly green initiatives. Our duty? To meet their demands!

We’ve talked about it: several countries are beginning to introduce regulations on the use of single-use plastic products and packaging components that do not contain recycled materials. An example? Since April 2022, the United Kingdom has imposed a tax on plastic packaging that does not contain at least 30% recycled content. Polypropylene and polyethylene: you’re in the hot seat!

Europe is not left out since its countries are required to pay a certain amount for each kilo of waste they fail to recycle or reuse. It’s only a short step from here to Canada and Quebec.

Don’t see these measures as an inconvenience, but rather as a shared, constructive and creative desire to invest in greener products, to do our part for the environment together, and to actively contribute to building a sustainable future. How inspiring is that?

Eco-responsibility is our key focus at CARTIER. That’s why expanding our range of green products is a constant objective. And when it comes to PCR-based plastic products, our purchasing team has outdone themselves!

See for yourself with this overview:

                   *recyclable where applicable.

Other new products are entering the eco-responsible market such as stretch cover with 30% PCR, polypropylene tape, foam and bubble designed with a philosophy of reusing materials.

What if PCR was a revolutionary Cartier promise? Our experts are convinced of this, and are more motivated than ever to support you in this transition, and in achieving your eco-responsible goals. High-performance, durable components adapted to your reality: the perfect solution for you exists, and we’re going to find it for you. And if you want to take things one step at a time, no worries. When it comes to the environment, every gesture counts, so why not start or continue your green turn by equipping yourself with more eco-friendly products?