Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) Plastics: Building a Circular Future for Packaging

As industries move toward more responsible manufacturing, Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) plastics are becoming a key pillar of sustainable packaging. At SABCO, we recognise the importance of reducing dependence on virgin plastics while maintaining quality, safety, and performance.

PCR plastics allow us to transform used plastic materials into valuable packaging solutions — supporting a circular economy and reducing environmental impact.

What Are PCR Plastics?

Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) plastics are materials made from plastic products that have already been used by consumers, collected through recycling systems, and reprocessed into new raw material.

Common sources include:

• Used plastic bottles
• Household containers
• Packaging waste collected after consumer use

These materials are cleaned, processed, and converted into reusable plastic resins that can be safely used in new packaging applications.

Why PCR Plastics Matter

Using PCR plastics offers significant environmental and commercial benefits:

• Reduces reliance on virgin plastic
• Minimises plastic waste sent to landfills
• Lowers carbon footprint compared to virgin polymers
• Supports circular economy initiatives

Meets growing sustainability expectations of brands and consumers

By reintroducing plastic back into the manufacturing cycle, PCR helps extend the life of materials that would otherwise become waste.

PCR Plastics in Bottle Manufacturing

At SABCO, PCR plastics are used selectively in bottle manufacturing where performance, safety, and compliance standards can be fully met.

Our approach includes:

• Using PCR content in suitable bottle applications
• Ensuring strength, durability, and consistency
• Maintaining strict quality control throughout production
• Balancing sustainability with functional performance

PCR integration is carefully evaluated to ensure that every bottle meets customer expectations and regulatory requirements.

Recyclable vs Recycled Plastics: Understanding the Difference

• It is important to distinguish between the two:
• Recyclable plastics: Materials that can be recycled after use (such as PET, HDPE, PP)
• Recycled plastics (PCR): Materials that have already been recycled and reused

At SABCO, our bottle products are designed to be recyclable, and we progressively incorporate PCR content wherever feasible — combining both principles for maximum impact.

Quality & Safety First

Quality remains a non-negotiable priority at SABCO. All PCR materials used in our manufacturing process undergo:

• Rigorous material testing
• Controlled sourcing from trusted suppliers
• Compliance with industry standards
• Process validation to ensure consistency

This ensures that sustainability never comes at the cost of reliability or safety.

Challenges in Using PCR Plastics

While PCR plastics offer clear benefits, they also require careful handling:

• Variations in raw material quality
• Colour consistency limitations
• Availability depending on recycling infrastructure
• Higher processing control requirements

At SABCO, we address these challenges through process optimisation, supplier partnerships, and technical expertise.

SABCO’s Commitment to Circular Packaging

• Our sustainability journey is ongoing. SABCO is continuously working to:
• Increase PCR usage across bottle ranges
• Optimise designs for recyclability
• Reduce overall material consumption
• Support responsible waste management systems

Every step forward strengthens our commitment to responsible plastic manufacturing.

Looking Ahead

PCR plastics represent a meaningful step toward a more sustainable packaging ecosystem. Through responsible adoption and continuous improvement, SABCO is proud to contribute to a future where plastics are used wisely, efficiently, and responsibly.

Because when plastics stay in the loop, sustainability becomes achievable