The following actions, individually or collectively, will contribute to achieving the outcomes of reducing the environmental impacts of flexible packaging thru the incorporation of recycled content.
Available Courses of Action
- Action 1 – Incorporate Post-Consumer Recycled Content / with Food Contact
- Action 2 – Incorporate Post-Consumer Recycled Content / without Food Contact
Action 1 – Incorporate Post-Consumer Recycled Content / with Food Contact
The incorporation of post-consumer recycled (PCR) content is a leading sustainability strategy, due in large part to the reduced requirement for virgin plastic, the associated reduction in GHG emissions, and the benefits that come with enabling a truly circular economy. For food and produce, a leading challenge remains ensuring that any recycled content incorporated into food packaging meets food contact requirements, if applicable.
The following use case(s) provide examples of where PCR-containing flexible packaging contacting food has been demonstrated.
Use Cases
| Use Case | Innovation | Application | Release to Market |
| Dainty Foods | Block Bottom Bag 25% Post-Consumer Recycled Content | Rice | 2021 |
| Pilgrims Pride | PCR in Formed Film Packaging | Meat and poultry | 2022 |
Action 2 – Incorporate Post-Consumer Recycled Content / without Food Contact
The incorporation of post-consumer recycled (PCR) content is a leading sustainability strategy, due in large part to the reduced requirement for virgin plastic, the associated reduction in GHG emissions, and the benefits that come with enabling a truly circular economy. For food and produce, a leading challenge remains ensuring that any recycled content incorporated into food packaging meets food contact requirements, if applicable. As such, there is increasing interest in considering applications where PCR can be incorporated while avoiding food contact.
The following use case(s) provide examples of where PCR-containing flexible packaging without food contact has been demonstrated.
Use Cases
TBC
Supporting Resources
Useful resources to consider as you explore applying one or more of the above actions to flexible packaging include:
General Information
Post-Consumer Recycled Content – Food Contact
Post-Consumer Recycled Content (General information)
- Association of Plastics Recyclers (APR) Design Recognition Program