Difference Between PCR and PIR Plastic

2025-10-24

PCR (Post-Consumer Recycled) plastic is reprocessed from products that have reached the end of their consumer life, such as water bottles, food containers, electronics, and CDs. These materials undergo collection, sorting, cleaning, and reprocessing to become reusable granules.

PIR (Post-Industrial Recycled) plastic, on the other hand, originates from manufacturing scrap—including runner systems, rejected products, and production waste—which is recycled directly at the factory. PIR is generally easier to process due to its consistent composition and minimal contamination.

While both support sustainability, PCR addresses the larger challenge of consumer waste reduction, while PIR focuses on optimizing industrial resource efficiency.