If your company is considering sustainable alternatives, the likelihood is, you’ve already come across pallet wrap with recyclable content. However, all too often, we’re coming across businesses that are earnestly trying to keep their operations green but, haven’t been made aware of the subtle differences in terminology behind their efforts.
To offer our expertise and shed some light on the subject, in this article we’re breaking down the difference between two of the dominant concepts we find in recyclable pallet wrap today, PCR and PIR.
Let’s get started…
What is Recycled Content Pallet Wrap?
Put simply, recycled-content pallet wrap is film made using plastic resins that have been reclaimed from previously used or unused material. The “recycled” portion can come from two main sources:
Post-Consumer Waste – plastic materials that have already been used and discarded by consumers, then collected for recycling.
Post-Industrial Waste – leftover plastic scrap or trimmings from manufacturing processes that are reclaimed instead of thrown away.
Both can be referred to by different names, commonly PCR (post-consumer recycled) and PIR (Post Industrial recycled) but each has its own strengths/weaknesses, so it’s important we don’t confuse the two.
So let’s get into the detail of each…
Post-Consumer Waste (PCW or PCR)
Where Does it Come From?
Post-consumer waste is the plastic material collected after a consumer has finished using a product. For instance, think of all those plastic bottles in household recycling bins, or shrink wrap from retail packaging that gets sent to a recycling facility. These materials are then cleaned, processed, and turned into resin pellets to be used in new products—like pallet wrap.
Key Benefits of Post-Consumer Waste
High Environmental Impact: Every time you use a film made with PCW, you’re preventing more plastic from ending up in landfill or polluting the environment.
Consumer-Friendly Story: If you want a strong sustainability message, using a film with a higher percentage of PCW (post-consumer waste) often resonates with customers.
Supports Circular Economy: You’re playing a direct part in giving used plastic a second life.
Potential Challenges
Quality Variations: Because it comes from a range of sources, PCW can introduce greater variability in resin quality. This can affect consistency in film characteristics, like stretchability and tear resistance.
Contamination: PCW may contain impurities (e.g., different types of plastic), which require thorough sorting and cleaning.
If you’re set on using a high percentage of PCW in your stretch film, it’s crucial to partner with reputable suppliers, like us, who can demonstrate reliable sourcing and stringent quality controls.
Post-Industrial Waste (PIW or PIR)
Where Does it Come From?
Post-industrial waste is generated during manufacturing—for instance, the plastic edges trimmed off during film production or start-up material that doesn’t meet quality specs.
Instead of discarding this waste, manufacturers recycle it right there in the factory, turning it back into resin that can be used to make new films.
There is often an element of confusion surrounding PIW or PIR films, and if they allow businesses to bypass the UK’s Plastic Packaging Tax. Well, despite what you might have heard, according to the most recent guidelines on the government website, they do.
Key Benefits of Post-Industrial Waste
Consistent Quality: Since PIW comes from a controlled environment, it’s often cleaner and more uniform compared to post-consumer waste.
Less Contamination: It’s usually easier to sort and process, as the manufacturer knows exactly what kind of plastic is being reintroduced.
Efficient Use of Resources: PIW recycling can be seen as an immediate loop—plastic re-enters the production line with minimal handling and transport.
Potential Challenges
Limited Availability: PIW is dependent on factory processes. If manufacturing becomes extremely efficient with minimal waste, the amount of PIW might reduce.
Market Fluctuations: The supply of high-quality PIW can fluctuate based on production schedules and global manufacturing activity.
Comparing Post-Consumer vs. Post-Industrial Waste
Performance Considerations
Both PCW and PIW can be formulated into stretch film that offers adequate load stability. In many cases, manufacturers blend PCW and PIW or add virgin material to fine-tune performance characteristics. Some key aspects to compare include:
Film Strength: PCW-based wraps might have slightly less tensile strength if the recycled content isn’t consistently high quality, whereas PIW-based wraps tend to have a more predictable performance.
Clarity: Visibility through the wrap can be important for product identification. PCW films may appear cloudier if they contain mixed recycled resins.
Elongation: A film’s ability to stretch before breaking is crucial for load containment. PIW films might offer a more consistent stretch profile.
Cost and Availability
Recycled Resin Pricing: The market for recycled plastics can fluctuate, influenced by demand, oil prices, and regulatory changes.
Environmental Impact
Post-Consumer: Has a much greater impact in terms of diverting plastic from landfill and oceans.
Post-Industrial: Reduces waste in the manufacturing process but doesn’t really address the plastic already in circulation at consumer level.
Ultimately, both options are preferable to using 100% virgin materials, and many suppliers are adopting blends to balance performance, consistency, and sustainability.
Conclusion
Choosing the right recycled-content pallet wrap is about striking a balance between environmental commitment and reliable load stability. Post-consumer waste (PCW/PCR) helps tackle plastic pollution by giving used materials a second life, while post-industrial waste (PIW/PIR) harnesses manufacturing scraps for a cleaner, more controlled recycling process.
Ultimately, your decision will hinge on factors like load type, performance requirements, budget, and corporate sustainability targets.
If you’re a warehouse manager or procurement professional, start by setting clear goals for recycled content, do your homework on suppliers, and always trial new films before rolling them out across your operations. By making informed choices, you’ll not only keep your goods secure but also do your part in promoting a greener, circular economy—one pallet at a time.
Key Takeaways
Recycled Content Sources: Pallet wrap can feature post-consumer waste (PCW) from consumer-end recycling or post-industrial waste (PIW) from manufacturing scraps.
Performance is Possible: With the right formulation and supplier expertise, recycled-content films can match or exceed the strength, stretch, and puncture resistance of virgin wraps.
Post-Consumer vs. Post-Industrial: PCW removes plastic from landfill or oceans, while PIW reuses factory offcuts. PCW may have more variability, whereas PIW is often more consistent but can be limited in supply.
Quality and Consistency: Recycled resin quality depends on proper sorting, cleaning, and blending—working with reputable suppliers is crucial.
Cost vs. Total Cost of Ownership: Recycled films might be pricier upfront but can help reduce overall film usage and support sustainability goals, potentially offsetting higher initial costs.
Testing and Validation: Always conduct trials on-site to confirm film performance in real-world scenarios—load stability, clarity, and puncture resistance should be evaluated.
Future-Proofing: Embracing recycled-content films now may help you comply with emerging regulations and demonstrate environmental commitment to customers and stakeholders.
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