Post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials are by definition reprocessed materials made from the items that consumers recycle every day such as aluminum, cardboards, paper, and plastics. They are gaining traction today as both savvy brand owners and consumers are placing more emphasis on sustainability, reducing waste, and using less energy.

The use of PCR materials in the manufacturing sector could mean significantly less waste ending up in landfills, tremendous water saving and lower carbon footprint. It is not always easy for businesses, though, to bear out their commitment to sustainability, especially when it comes to details that people tend to ignore yet have their shares in the circular economy, such as outer packaging, lids and films. 

That's where American Hygienics Corporation (AHC) separates itself from the pack.

For AHC, sustainability is not a buzz word. PCR is now standard packaging offer across all categories of AHC's wipes products. PCR plastic accounts for up to 30% of the primary packaging materials for wet wipes products including lids, tubs and canisters by weight, while PCR paper accounts for around 80% of the secondary packaging materials. The company is aiming to further increase the proportion of post-consumer recycled (PCR) material in the future.

Thanks to the use of PCR materials, a total of 720 tons less plastics is consumed per year at AHC, which is equivalent to the reduction of approximately 14,000 tons of CO2 emissions. 

Under development in AHC's innovation lab is the application of PCR materials to multi-layer packaging films. PCR films can offer the same level of protection, barrier performance, and strength as regular plastic films. 

"Eco-friendly packaging options are a step in the right direction towards carbon neutrality and our innovation efforts in the use of PCR materials offer a good opportunity for our customers to be more sustainable while meeting their own sustainability goals." says Nilesh Parmar, the CEO and founder of AHC.