Recycled plastic has evolved from a cost-cutting measure to a cornerstone of sustainable manufacturing.
Yet most recycled content strategies focus narrowly on Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) plastic overlooking the critical role of Post-Industrial Recycled (PIR) material.
At Birch Plastics, we believe PIR deserves equal recognition in circular economy frameworks. Here’s why.
🔍 The Data Behind the Disconnect
- In 2019, the U.S. generated 44 million metric tons of plastic waste (National Renewable Energy Laboratory) 12 million tons more than EPA estimates.
- Only 5% was recycled, while 86% was landfilled and 9% incinerated for energy recovery.
- The economic loss from landfilled plastics in 2019 was estimated at $7.2 billion, with significant embodied energy and environmental impact.
These figures highlight the urgent need for scalable recycling solutions that go beyond PCR.
🔄 Why PIR Is the Missing Piece in Circular Plastic Systems
Despite its advantages, PIR is often excluded from recycled content mandates and sustainability targets. This narrow focus on PCR:
- Limits processors’ material options
- Discourages investment in PIR recovery
- Leaves high-quality material out of the resin stream
If manufacturers and policymakers treated plastic waste holistically rather than segregating PCR from PIR we’d unlock far more opportunities for circularity.
Processors would gain flexibility. Recyclers would be incentivized. And the system would move closer to its true goal: engineered reuse.
♻️ Redefining What Recycling Should Mean
Recycling isn’t just about volume it’s about diverting material from landfills and reprocessing it into usable products without compromising performance or appearance.
That’s the standard we should hold ourselves to. Not just optics. But real, measurable outcomes.
🧪 A Practical Example: PLASTEON™ PIR FDA-Certified Polypropylene
At Birch Plastics, post-industrial waste is reprocessed into PLASTEON™, a 100% recycled polypropylene that meets FDA standards for food and cosmetic contact.
✅ GreenCircle Certified ✅ Backed by a Non-Objection Letter from the FDA ✅ Offers manufacturers a sustainable, high-performance alternative to virgin resin
PLASTEON™ proves that PIR can be clean, compliant, and commercially viable.
It’s not about choosing sides between PCR and PIR. It’s about recognizing the value in all recycled streams and designing smarter systems that reflect how recycling actually works.
📞 Ready to Source FDA-Certified PIR Resin?
Explore how PLASTEON™ can support your sustainability goals without compromising quality. Contact Birch Plastics to learn more about our PIR solutions and commitment to engineered circularity.
