OUR PACKAGING
Packaging: The Materials Matter. There are many factors that go into our packaging decisions. From functional considerations like appearance, quality, and convenience. To environmental considerations such as material composition, carbon footprint, and end-of-life recyclability. We put a lot of thought and care into these choices. We choose materials that not only protect the quality of the product, but are environmentally responsible. These choices serve to reinforce our ongoing eco friendly commitment. We use ecologically responsible packaging materials designed to minimize our overall footprint. Most of our packaging has been recycled and can be recycled again. Let’s dig a bit deeper into each of these materials, and what makes them both functional and environmentally considerate.
PCR PLASTIC
We use PCR plastic containers. The specific material is known as Polyethylene terephthalate. An abbreviated to Polyethylene terephthalate is PET or PETE – and is identified by a “#1” stamped on the container. Some of the many advantages of this material include being light-weight, durable, and recyclable at end-of-life. Additionally – and importantly to our carbon footprint – the PCR plastic we use have been manufactured from 100% post-consumer recycled materials.
WHAT DOES 100% PCR PLASTICS ACTUALLY MEAN?
PCR stands for “Post-Consumer Recycled” and it means that 100% of the material used to make our bottles and canisters has had a previous life as a different plastic item. Whether this material comes from the waste stream of manufacturing processes or from your recycling bin. When using recycled plastic this gives a new life to materials that would otherwise be destined for the landfill. Anything made with new, “virgin” plastic creates a whole new product with a whole new product lifecycle and footprint. Unfortunately, making virgin plastics costs less than using recycled materials. This puts recycled plastic at an economic disadvantage compared to virgin plastic. The higher cost of using 100% PCR plastic means that most companies choose to use the less expensive, virgin plastic option for their needs.
HOW DOES USING PCR PACKAGING HELP THE ENVIROMENT?
We choose to use 100% PCR for our bottles and containers. By doing this we are not only reducing the demand for petroleum and decreasing the number of new materials in existence along with their corresponding carbon footprint. But we are increasing the demand for recycled plastic. If more companies would make the financial commitment to use recycled plastics for their container needs, that would divert additional plastic from landfills and further stimulate the market for recycled materials. As more and more companies make responsible decisions regarding their packaging, a renewable, circular economy will develop. Recycled plastic can be a major part of this economy, and can represent a sustainable alternative to the traditional linear model of single-use plastics.