What PCR actually is
PCR stands for post-consumer recycled resin — plastic that has already served a life as packaging, been collected, cleaned and reprocessed into new bottles. For PET packaging, PCR-PET is the most common and most requested grade, especially from European and North-American buyers.
Why buyers ask for it
PCR lets a brand cut virgin-plastic use and tell a credible sustainability story on-pack. Increasingly it’s tied to retailer requirements and regulatory pressure, so specifying a PCR percentage early avoids redesigns later.
What GRS certification proves
A sustainability claim is only as good as its chain of custody. Shijin holds GRS (Global Recycled Standard) certification alongside ISO 9001, CE and SGS Gold Plus. GRS verifies recycled content and tracks it through the supply chain — so your “30% PCR” claim is documented, not just marketing.
Honest sustainability means we’ll tell you what a PCR grade can and can’t do — recycled resin can shift colour and clarity slightly, and we’ll show you samples before you commit.
Specifying PCR without surprises
A few practical notes when moving to recycled content:
- Decide a target PCR percentage up front — it affects colour matching and price
- Expect subtle colour/clarity variation vs virgin resin; approve a physical sample
- Pair PCR with recyclable mono-material closures where possible
- Ask for the GRS documentation you’ll need for retailer audits
The bigger picture
Sustainable packaging isn’t only recycled content — right-weighting a bottle, designing for recyclability, and reducing decoration that contaminates recycling streams all count. We treat it as an engineering conversation, not a sticker.