March 3, 2024

Recycled Content: The Future of Flexible Packaging

Recycled materials are a responsible choice in manufacturing, and Morris Packaging prioritizes using recycled content in our flexible packaging. We have a vision and a mission of sustainable practices in our work, and the reuse of materials to ensure recycled content in our packaging is part of that vision.

PIR vs PCR: What’s the Difference?

At Morris Packaging, our recycled content combines PCR (Post-Consumer Resins) and PIR (Post-Industrial Resins). We combine these two materials to create the recycled content that is offered in either a 35% or a 45% option in the total percentage of the bag.  

Post-consumer resins

PCR refers to resins, or plastics, from used and recycled consumer products. Plastic water bottles are our primary source of PCR, and in 2023, Morris Packaging used plastic from more than 122,000,000 recycled water bottles in our packaging.

Post-industrial resins

PIR is resin collected as waste from industrial processes and reused. Morris Packaging's reuse initiatives led to the repurposing of over 10,900,000 pounds of PIR in 2023.

Due to our strong commitment to reusing recycled content, our manufacturing facilities operate with minimal waste. We collect all trim waste from our packaging for recycling, enabling us to maintain responsible manufacturing practices.

Morris Packaging 2023 statistics: Used plastic from more than 122,000,000 recycled water bottles. Reused over 10,900,000 pounds of PIR. Flexible packaging with recycled content is part of Morris Packaging's manufacturing sustainability goals.

Why Morris Packaging uses PIR and PCR

Using this recycled content in packaging helps prevent millions of pounds of waste from reaching landfills, supporting our sustainability objectives. This practice also minimizes our reliance on virgin plastics, reducing energy consumption for our flexible packaging.

The decision to use recycled content in our packaging stems from our desire to deliver high-quality, durable, flexible packaging. This packaging can also include recycle-ready material, allowing us to provide clients with a top-tier packaging solution that supports recycling and sustainability efforts.

The life cycle of a water bottle at Morris Packaging

When a water bottle is recycled, it is turned into tiny plastic PET pellets reused for PET (PCR) applications.

Once Morris Packaging receives our PCR, we combine it with our own PIR and sealant material to be used in our flexible packaging. It is printed, laminated, and converted into packaging and shipped to our customers for use. We reclaim our trim waste and begin the whole process again.

What makes a package “recycle-ready”?

PE film must be manufactured carefully to be considered “recycle-ready.” For this reason, we meticulously select PE plastics for our manufacturing process, ensuring that our flexible packaging meets these standards. Once a consumer returns our recycle-ready package to a drop-off point, it can be pelletized for reuse in other materials. It may even be incorporated into one of our packages again one day!

Morris Packaging closes the circle when it comes to materials. We offer flexible packaging made with recycled content to continue our efforts to reduce waste and keep the environment healthy.

To learn how Morris Packaging’s sustainable, flexible packaging options can become your go-to packaging solution, contact us today.

Contact us:

https://www.morrispkg.com/contact/

Email: info@morrispkg.com

309-663-9100

Morris Packaging offers a flexible packaging solution that is 100% recycle ready. These rolls of PE film are made with recycled content to support Morris Packaging's sustainability goals.

Morris Packaging is a socially conscious, technologically advanced packaging manufacturer with headquarters in Bloomington, IL and production locations in Plymouth, MN and Jefferson City, MO. We offer sustainable packaging solutions, warehousing, inventory management, logistics management, design and brand services across an array of industries. We strive to lead in the sustainability market, standing out as an example to follow in the packaging industry.