PCR mandate, a burden or benefit

For years I have been working on sustainability, yet it remains questionable. My second book – 5 Myths about Sustainable Shrink Sleeves clears doubts on sustainability. This year, I had discussed the similar aspect at the Respack 2024 conference. And I was thrilled to receive the response.

At Taurus, we are working on various new sustainable and recyclable substrates that may work as a change movement for the shrink sleeves industry today.

PCR packaging is manufactured with films made up of recycled plastic resins. Material which was previously used and then recycled. Now here’s a catch, instead of using fully recycled material, the government has asked us to keep 10% of recycled material in films to start with from the year 2025. This is a wonderful step to consider during plastic manufacturing and the need of the hour – the sustainability drive. This is undoubtedly a win-win situation for both aspects.

There are various benefits of using 10% PCR in packaging. Let’s take quality first. It almost matches the regular flexible packaging quality which you expect in any virgin film. You can also get a similar level of protection, barrier performance and strength.

 PCR films can even get you similar results in light, oxygen, and other gases blockage from entering your product. With all of these you will get benefits of lower carbon print. You may be able to contribute to less plastic being dumped in our landfills and oceans. And with these overall benefits, you are also supporting a new recycling industry in the sustainable ecosystem. With PCR film packaging, you are offering a sustainable solution to all consumers, and they don’t have to do any action for this unlike separating or dumping them differently.

 Now, do you think it is unclear or ambiguous? I don’t think so. Addition of PCR content in flexible packaging is a strategic move. This changed process does not require any special setup or procedures. It can be implemented with existing machinery for perfect shrink.  This change will definitely be a big boost for the sustainability program in India. And of course, future targets by the government are to increase the PCR percentages in the plastic packaging, but I am sure that gradually our industry will become mature and start manufacturing and accepting more PCR in our plastics.

Overall, this change movement by the Indian government for reducing the plastic menace is highly commendable. It is a well-crafted move that will benefit the Indian market highly. And in the near future, I can foresee an increase in PCR content in film packaging is an imminent step.

It is also high time to consider shifting completely from PVC to PET/PETG or 30% PCR based shrink sleeves. If you need any guidance, we are here. You may contact us for a smooth progression to sustainable packaging. 
Chetan Jain is the executive director and the technical expert at Taurus Packaging, a sleeves and labels specialist company. He is also an author and has published more than five books revolving around shrink sleeves and labels.