US Plastics Pact Updates Postconsumer Recycled Content Toolkit

The U.S. Plastics Pact has updated its Postconsumer Recycled Content (PCR) toolkit. The toolkit is aimed at making it easier to switch toward use of recycled resin in manufacturing. The update emphasizes collaboration among cross-functional stakeholders — such as procurement, R&D and corporate sustainability — who often have competing priorities such as sustainability commitments and cost control. The toolkit offers guidance on bringing these teams together to procure and qualify PCR, even when their goals initially seem misaligned.

A new section for consumers explains PCR in more straightforward terms to raise awareness and understanding among the broader public.

From 2020 to 2022, U.S. Pact Activators increased their PCR usage from 7% to 9%, showing progress toward sustainability goals. According to the Association for Plastics Recyclers (APR), PCR can decrease carbon emissions by up to 70%.

The toolkit is offers guidance, case studies and strategies for addressing environmental challenges and proactively managing risk for businesses working to reduce their reliance on virgin plastics and integrate more recycled content into their operations.

“Corporate commitment to increase the use of PCR is an important step, but it’s only the first step,” says Jonathan Quinn, U.S. Plastics Pact CEO. “Cross-functional teams with differing priorities must come together to carry out those commitments. The PCR Toolkit is a practical resource to help diverse stakeholders understand the importance of using PCR and what they need to do to successfully procure and qualify it. With increasing attention on the plastics waste crisis and the resulting legislation, we must act now.”

The toolkit will continue to evolve, with additional resources coming soon, including a guide on certifying PCR, a position paper on financial barriers to expanding PCR usage, and potential market and policy solutions.