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With the increase in environmental awareness and the need to reduce the waste impact, terms such as PCR (Post-Consumer Recycled) and PIR (Post-Industrial Recycled) have become increasingly relevant. Both refer to recycled plastic materials, but their origin, recycling process and end uses differ significantly. This article explores the key characteristics of PCR and PIR, their differences and the role they can play in promoting a more sustainable economy.

What is PCR?

PCR, short for Post-Consumer Recycled, refers to plastic materials that are derived from waste generated by consumers. This includes items that have completed their life cycle, such as bottles, containers, food packaging or other single-use plastic products. Once collected through recycling programs, this waste is separated, cleaned and processed to be transformed into new raw materials.

Key Characteristics of PCR

Understanding the characteristics of PCR is essential to appreciate its role in recycling processes and application sectors.

• Origin: It comes from post-use household, commercial or industrial waste.
• Process: After collection, the waste is sorted, washed and granulated to remove contaminants and prepare it for reuse.
• Environmental Impact: The use of PCR helps reduce landfill and environmental waste, especially plastic waste that could otherwise end up in the oceans or in uncontrolled locations.
• Applications: PCR is often used in non-food applications, such as plastic films, pipes, outdoor furniture and automotive components. However, as recycling technologies and regulations evolve, PCR is also finding its way into some food applications, provided it meets high safety standards.

Benefits of PCR

The use of PCR is not limited to waste reduction: these materials represent a strategic lever to achieve sustainability goals, improve production efficiency and respond to increasingly stringent regulations.

• Circular economy: It helps to close the material loop, reducing dependence on virgin raw materials.
• Reduction of emissions: The production of PCR consumes less energy than the production of virgin plastic and reduces CO₂ emissions.

What is PIR?

PIR, which stands for Post-Industrial Recycled, comes from waste generated during industrial production processes. This waste can include production offcuts, defective materials or surpluses that have never been used by end consumers.

Key features of PIR

The origin and production process of PIR directly influence its quality, purity and use. Exploring these aspects helps us identify how it can respond to specific needs and promote sustainable solutions.

• Origin: This is industrial production waste, often collected directly from factories.
• Process: Being more homogeneous and free of contaminants from everyday use, PIR requires less complex recycling processes than PCR.
• Environmental impact: PIR optimizes the use of industrial resources, preventing perfectly recyclable materials from being discarded as waste.
• Applications: Often used in technical products or plastic compounds for industrial applications, PIR is appreciated for its consistent quality and ease of processing.

Advantages of PIR

Let’s analyze the main advantages of this recycled material and its contribution to the virtuous cycle of the circular economy.

• Industrial efficiency: It reduces waste upstream in the production chain.
• Quality: Being derived from well-controlled industrial flows, PIR has a higher purity and homogeneity than PCR.

Why choose recycled materials?

Opting for PCR and PIR is a strategic choice for companies to respond to the growing demands for sustainability. The use of recycled materials not only reduces environmental impact, but can also represent a competitive advantage, by improving brand image and opening up new market opportunities.

Furthermore, with the future introduction of more stringent regulations on the use of virgin plastic and recycling targets, the adoption of PCR and PIR will become increasingly necessary.

Both PCR and PIR play a crucial role in the transition to a more sustainable economy. PCR responds to the need of disposing post-consumer waste, while PIR optimizes the efficiency of production processes. Understanding the differences between these materials helps companies to make better strategic choices, and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Termoplastica Sghedoni has obtained the Certificate of Conformity to the European regulation EN 15343 and is able to guarantee the percentages of recycled material contained in its products, whether it is PCR or PIR, making its Stretch Hood and Shrink Film suitable for export to countries that require this certification by accredited third-party bodies.