Sustainable Beauty Packaging: Making Sense of PCR & PIR

With the new EU regulations pushing for up to 35% recycled content in packaging by 2030 and up to 65% by 2040, brands need to adapt. Two key terms in this shift are PCR (Post-Consumer Recycled) and PIR (Post-Industrial Recycled) materials.

Understanding Recycled Materials in Packaging

Recycled materials in packaging generally fall into two categories: PCR (Post-Consumer Recycled) and PIR (Post-Industrial Recycled). Both help reduce reliance on virgin materials, but they serve different roles. While PCR is made fro With the new EU regulations pushing for up to 35% recycled content in packaging by 2030 and up to 65% by 2040, brands need to adapt. Two key terms in this shift are PCR (Post-Consumer Recycled) and PIR (Post-Industrial Recycled) materials. m consumer waste like plastic bottles, PIR is derived from industrial manufacturing scrap.

PCR: Closing the Loop with Consumer Waste

PCR refers to materials recycled from end-user waste, such as used plastic bottles or paper products. While PCR supports a circular economy by reducing landfill waste, challenges include contamination and material degradation, which can affect packaging quality and durability.

For beauty brands, incorporating PCR content into packaging can:
✅ Reduce virgin plastic usage and support sustainability claims
✅ Align with consumer demand—67% of shoppers prefer recyclable packaging
✅ Stay Ahead of Competitors – 75% of companies face pressure to act on sustainability, but many lag behind.

However, 100% PCR isn’t always the best choice. PCR material degrades with each recycling loop, affecting strength, color, and texture. To maintain eco-efficiency and quality, professional suppliers usually offer different PCR ratios, allowing brands to select the optimal balance between sustainability and performance.

Not all PCR materials are created equal. Certified PCR materials must meet strict quality standards to ensure safety, durability, and environmental impact. Common certifications include:

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Global Recycled Standard (GRS) – One of the most widely recognized certifications, ensuring recycled content traceability and sustainability.

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UNE-EN 15343 – A European standard that guarantees the traceability and quality control of recycled plastics.

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These certifications help brands verify that the PCR materials they use are sourced from legitimate recycling processes, rather than lower-quality industrial scrap. This is also why certified PCR tends to be more expensive than virgin plastic—it undergoes rigorous sorting, purification, and performance testing before being made into new packaging materials.

PIR materials come from manufacturing waste, such as excess plastic trimmed during production. Since PIR is collected before consumer use, it is generally cleaner and easier to process, ensuring higher consistency in quality. While it doesn’t close the consumer waste loop like PCR, it still minimizes raw material waste and lowers environmental impact.

Now that you're familiar with the terminologies and benefits, it's time to take action and let’s discuss how your brand is navigating this transition.
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