Understanding Post Consumer Recycled Resin Regulations For Trash Bags

By: Bessy Ballesteros, Aluf Marketing Manager

Post consumer recycled resin (PCR) is the material that comes from products that have already served their purpose for consumers. These can include greenhouse plastic, farm film, mulch film, empty laundry detergent containers and empty toothpaste tubes. The benefits to using PCR are insurmountable, therefore the push for companies to move to PCR in their products is one that is supported and will soon be fully regulated by the government and legislature.

In order to better understand PCR regulations, it is important to know the meaning of some key acronyms.

• Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), an environmental policy that holds producers accountable for the management of a product throughout its lifecycle, including post-consumer disposal.
• Post Industrial Recycled (PIR), the raw material made from waste generated within the industry. Although there are benefits to PIR, it should never be confused with PCR.
• Resin, the raw material from which plastic products are made. It can be made up of PCR, PIR, virgin material or a blended mixture of all three.

Benefits of PCR requirements:

• Increases the demand for recycled material, creating a more sustainable overall environment.
• Levels the competitive field for all manufacturers.
• Reduces the demand for virgin material, reducing the carbon footprint of all manufacturers.
• Lowers economic risk in recycling infrastructure.

Compliance

There have been several PCR regulations set in place as of 2023 for various categories including trash bags. The eight states, plus Washington, D.C., that have adopted the regulations are: California, New Jersey, Maine, Washington, Connecticut, Colorado, Oregon and Wisconsin. More specifically, New Jersey and Washington have adopted the regulations for trash bags. New Jersey currently requires at least 20 percent PCR in plastic bags over 1 mil, while Washington requires 10 percent PCR in all trash bags through the end of 2024. These requirements continue to increase and by 2027, New Jersey will require 40 percent PCR in bags over 1 mil, while Washington will require 20 percent PCR on all trash bags.

Other states are preparing to enforce PCR regulations, although there is no official legislation in place currently. It is up to all trash bag manufacturers to start preparing now for the imminent regulations that are sure to be put in place in the future. Furthermore, it is up to distributors and buyers to make sure that the bags they are purchasing, and their distribution, meet the appropriate guidelines. These guidelines are particularly important in highly visible and regulated segments, such as schools, government buildings and healthcare.

Conclusion

The recent push for PCR regulations is one that should not be taken lightly. Regulating the use of PCR in plastic bags helps to build a more sustainable world for future generations. Although the regulations vary from state to state at this point in time, the goal is that within the next few years there will be more consistency throughout the United States. It is advisable for manufacturers, buyers, and distributors to study and understand the PCR regulations so they can easily comply.

Aluf Plastics is one of the largest recyclers of polyethylene in the world and is continuously innovating to create solutions for a better environment. Aluf strives to reduce the impact of plastics on the planet. A trailblazer in the can liner and bag industry, 60 percent of products are made from recycled content. Aluf has both PCR and PIR recycling programs, which provide customers with a financial incentive, while keeping plastic out of the waste stream. Aluf is a licensed manufacturer of can liners in New Jersey, Washington, and California, complying with all regulations as mandated by each state. Learn more at https://www.alufplastics.com.