Because of the manufacturing processes and blending equipment we have, our standard percentages of PCR are:
Single-stage PET: 30%, 50% or 100%
2-stage PET: 30%, 50% or 100% (testing required before we can commit to 100% for this process)
HDPE: 30%, 50% or 100%
Upcharges for PCR fluctuate widely based on market conditions and the source of the PCR. Because we use only food-safe resins approved by the FDA, recycled PET is typically 10% to 20% more than virgin PET and recycled HDPE can be 40% to 50% higher than virgin HDPE. Certified Ocean Bound PCR has a greater upcharge and must be quoted based on current market conditions. All written quotations from Pretium include a second quote for 30% PCR as an option.
The post-consumer resins Pretium uses all come with FDA letters of non-objection and are safe for food contact. To obtain that designation, the resin must be collected, sorted, cleaned, ground, melted, recrystallized and/or repelletized all according to processes approved by the FDA. There are very few companies that are equipped to put post-consumer bottles through this rigorous process, so there is a premium for the high-quality post-consumer resin they produce. Our Certified Ocean Bound PCR is also covered by an FDA LNO.
That depends on your product and any certifications you require. Most products probably do not need to undergo stability testing because the post-consumer versions of PCR and HDPE are very similar to virgin and have similar performance. But if you have FDA filings or other pharma or OTC requirements, we would recommend that you conduct stability testing. Stability testing is the responsiblity of the customer.
Yes, because the cost of PCR resin is typically higher than virgin resin, the amount of PCR you incorporate in your packaging is directly related to the final price. As a convenience to customers, Pretium includes a quote for 30% PCR on every written quotation so you can see how the inclusion of PCR impacts the bottle price. Pretium uses IHS as the benchmark for PCR price fluctuations.
We do not manufacture bottles from plastic that has been collected from the ocean, but we do have reliable sources of post-consumer resin made from bottles that were prevented from entering the ocean. Our preferred partner for this Certified Ocean Bound PCR is Prevented Ocean PlasticTM. Like all resins used in Pretium's manufacturing processes, our Certified Ocean Bound PCR carries a letter of non-objection from the FDA and is safe for food contact. If you are interested in these resins, please specify “Ocean Bound” when you ask for a quote, as the resin is more expensive than PCR collected from traditional sources.
Pretium can run 100% PCR in all of our single-stage PET items, all of our EBM and IBM HDPE items, and most 2-stage PET items.
Whether you are running PCR in clear, white, translucents, tints or opaque colors, there is always a chance for color variation from lot to lot – particularly with lighter colors. For this reason, we request that every customer buying PCR bottles sign a waiver agreeing to accept reasonable variations in the final color and clarity.
Sustainable options such as post-consumer resins, bioresins and biodegradable additives typically require a 50,000 piece minimum and may also require a set-up fee or purge charge depending on the manufacturing process and bottle size.
Most of Pretium’s sustainable packaging options fall into one of four categories:
-
- recyclable resins (PET and HDPE)
- post-consumer (recycled) resins (PET and HDPE)
- Certified Ocean Bound PCR
- lightweighted packages that reduce gram weight while retaining performance