PCR VS Virgin PET: What’s Best For Your Brand?

EPOPACK - Sponsored content

8 February 2022

EPOPACK produces both Post-Consumer Recycled PET and Virgin PET bottles and jars. Choosing between the two is like picking a favorite child. However, they are each uniquely suited to the different goals of specific hair and skin care brands.

Both are quite eco-friendly. PET is the most recyclable plastic. And PCR (from PET) obviously won’t add more waste to the world.

Let’s briefly compare them so you can make a more informed choice for your next product launch.

1. PCR Packaging Is More Expensive

Waste reduction isn’t just a slogan. If you want that benefit, it will cost more than Virgin (new) PET.

Now, a PCR package does not have to be made from 100% PCR plastic. In other words, it could be a combination of some PCR and some Virgin PET.

However, after many tests we have discovered that 100% PCR is best for quality control.

Plus, used PET material must be collected and sorted after-market to make PCR, resulting in higher labor costs than simply making new PET.

2. Virgin PET Is Standardized & Has Higher Clarity

While both materials rival glass in terms of beauty, PET plastic can be completely clear. To put it another way, it can be a glass substitute.

Whereas the PCR material is somewhat milky.

Due to the PCR creation process, there is also color variation from package to package. Depending on how you want to frame your marketing, this variance could be used as an advantage (eg. "each piece is unique").

3. Both Can Be Done In EPOPACK’s "Heavy Wall" Luxury Style

Neither material involves any compromise on beauty.

Our special “heavy wall” construction is shatterproof, with a sturdy feel in the hand. It has a commanding presence on the shelf. And all the bottles and jars can be easily customized by spray color coating, printing, and hot stamping.

The bottom line is that, if your brand story involves reducing waste and the Green lifestyle, then you may have to plan for the higher cost of PCR. Or you can get fully-recyclable Virgin PET packaging for a lower cost but with a more standardized and “glass-like” appearance.

Made With A Conscience, In Taiwan

EPOPACK is a 30+ year Taiwanese manufacturer of eco-friendly cosmetic packaging. Our focus is on customizable PET and PCR containers that are both elegant and sustainable.

Obviously this is a small space to explore this large topic.

This is why we have dedicated project managers to discuss your needs in detail, and then put together a unique sample package so you can experience both materials yourself.

For now we still have some Spring slots open for this free telephone consultation and sample pack.

To learn more, email our project manager Amy Pan before the end of February:
amypb@epopack.com