What is a Circular Economy?
As the packaging industry refits for a more sustainable future, the concept of a circular economy is at the core of this transformation. A circular economy moves manufacturing away from the traditional linear “single-use” plastic model and instead focuses on recycling and reuse — keeping materials in use for as long as possible.
Here are the basics to know about the circular economy and why packaging, including closures, made from PolyCycle resin is a smart choice.
This shift to a circular economy is driven by growing consumer demand for eco-friendly products as well as evolving environmental regulations that push for more responsible packaging solutions. Adopting a circular economy approach offers numerous benefits:
- Reducing reliance on virgin materials: Recycling and reusing materials reduce the need for new plastic production, conserving natural resources.
- Minimizing environmental impact: Keeping plastic materials in circulation reduces landfill waste and lowers greenhouse gas emissions by up to 70%.
- Enhancing sustainability credentials: Companies investing in circular economy practices get ahead of regulatory requirements while improving their brand image and appealing to environmentally conscious consumers.
The Environmental Impact of PolyCycle PCR
A third-party Life Cycle Analysis (LCA)1 has confirmed that PolyCycle PCR resin contributes significantly to sustainability and can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 70% compared to virgin resin. This measurable reduction in Global Warming Potential (GWP) translates to substantial environmental benefits, equivalent to:
- Powering 1,285,185.06 average homes yearly
- Saving 117,492,207.09 gallons of gasoline consumed
- Supporting 28,575,374.41 people showering daily for a year
PolyCycle PCR resin also more broadly supports industry-wide commitments to sustainability:
- 86% of food & beverage companies have pledged to cut emissions.
- Many brands aim for 100% renewable & recyclable packaging by 2025.
- Over 7,000 companies have set science-based climate targets to reduce carbon footprints.
Top 4 Reasons Why PolyCycle PCR is the Smart Choice
1. High-Quality & Certified
PolyCycle PCR resin meets the highest industry standards. PolyCycle is domestically produced and one of the cleanest PCR resins available, ensuring it is FDA-compliant for food-grade applications. PolyCycle PCR is also GreenCircle Certified, which verifies the resin’s authenticity and sustainable content.
2. Versatile Applications
PolyCycle PCR is available in PP and PE, making it ideal for closures, caps, other rigid packaging, and some non-packaging uses. Its versatility, durability, and recyclability make it a strong choice for sustainable consumer packaged goods (CPGs).
3. Superior Branding
No longer does choosing sustainable materials mean compromising on brand identity. PolyCycle PCR comes in a wide variety of colors, allowing brand owners to maintain consistent brand appeal that meets consumer expectations, while reducing environmental impact.
4. Supports Sustainability Goals
PolyCycle’s proprietary recycling process produces some of the cleanest PCR resin in the industry. Businesses using PolyCycle PCR can significantly cut virgin plastic use, helping them achieve sustainability goals while staying ahead of evolving regulations.
CSI’s Commitment to Sustainable Manufacturing
As a global leader in closure manufacturing, Closure Systems International (CSI) is committed to advancing sustainability in the packaging industry. CSI has been at the forefront of promoting a circular economy by integrating post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials into our closures.
Through the innovation of PolyCycle PCR resin, CSI empowers brands to reduce their reliance on virgin plastics while maintaining the high performance and safety standards required for food-grade packaging applications.
As an active member of the U.S. Plastics Pact, Sustainable Packaging Coalition, and The Association of Plastic Recyclers, CSI collaborates with industry stakeholders to improve recycling infrastructure and drive adoption of PCR materials across North America.
By enhancing recyclability, promoting material reuse, and demonstrating environmental responsibility, CSI closures made with PolyCycle PCR help contribute to reducing carbon emissions and advancing the sustainability goals of brands.
Ready to Make a Difference?
Choosing CSI closures made of PolyCycle or using PolyCycle PCR resin in any form factor is a smart choice towards sustainable packaging and circular economy initiatives. By investing in PCR solutions today, businesses can make a lasting environmental impact while meeting both regulatory and consumer expectations.
Contact us today to explore how PolyCycle PCR can benefit your business model — and contribute to a more sustainable future.
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1 COMPASS® Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) Package Compare Report PolyCycle vs. Virgin Resin Carbon Footprint Impact, 2024-08-08. Uses life cycle inventory (LCI) data that represents an industry average for materials, manufacturing processes, and end of life impacts. The report follows the guidelines of ISO 14040. _____
What packaging applications can PolyCycle PCR be used for?
PolyCycle PCR is versatile and can be used in a wide range of applications, including closures, caps, rigid packaging, and some non-packaging uses. It is available in polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE), making it ideal for industries such as food, beverages, personal care, and household products.
Does using PolyCycle PCR affect product quality?
No, PolyCycle PCR does not compromise the quality of products. It meets or exceeds all closure performance requirements, including taste and odor neutrality, environmental stress crack resistance, dimensional stability, and CO₂ retention. CSI’s proprietary manufacturing process ensures that PolyCycle PCR is free from contaminants typically associated with recycled materials.
How much PolyCycle PCR can be used in closures?
CSI manufactures closures with up to 70% PolyCycle PCR content. In fact, the company has rigorously tested closures that incorporate between 30% and 70% PolyCycle PCR resin to verify that product performance and quality remain intact.
Is PolyCycle PCR recyclable?
Yes, closures made from PolyCycle PCR are 100% recyclable at standard recycling centers. This makes it a key component in promoting a circular economy, where materials are continually reused, reducing the need for new plastic production and further contributing to environmental sustainability.
How can PolyCycle PCR help brands meet their sustainability goals?
By incorporating PolyCycle PCR into packaging, brands can significantly reduce their reliance on virgin plastics, thus cutting down on carbon emissions and supporting a sustainable supply chain. It also helps brands stay ahead of evolving environmental regulations, enhance their sustainability credentials, and appeal to eco-conscious consumers.
Is PolyCycle PCR available in different colors?
Yes, PolyCycle PCR is available in a wide range of colors, ensuring that brands can maintain their visual identity and consistent branding without sacrificing their commitment to sustainability. This flexibility allows companies to meet consumer expectations while contributing to a more eco-friendly product offering.
What industries benefit from using PolyCycle PCR?
PolyCycle PCR is ideal for a variety of industries, including food and beverage, personal care, and household products. Specifically, it is well-suited for applications like beverage caps, food packaging, liquid dairy, non-carbonated beverages, and even personal care products, offering a sustainable solution for companies in these sectors.
How does PolyCycle PCR support the circular economy?
PolyCycle PCR directly supports a circular economy by utilizing recycled materials and promoting material reuse. By choosing PolyCycle PCR, companies participate in reducing waste and reliance on virgin plastics, keeping materials in circulation for as long as possible, and reducing overall environmental impact.
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