PCR Material Recycling Process: Core Stages & Certificatio

 The recycling workflow of Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) materials involves several critical stages that transform waste plastics into valuable reusable resources. The process begins with Collection & Sorting, where post-consumer plastics such as packaging materials and bottles are systematically gathered, categorized by polymer type, and thoroughly cleaned to remove all non-plastic contaminants. This initial stage is crucial for ensuring the quality and purity of the recycled material.

Following collection, the materials undergo Shredding, where cleaned plastics are mechanically crushed into smaller, uniform fragments. This size reduction facilitates more efficient processing in subsequent stages. The shredded materials then proceed to Melting & Purification, where they're heated to a molten state under carefully controlled temperatures. During this phase, any remaining impurities are systematically filtered out, ensuring the material meets quality standards for reuse.

The final processing stage is Pelletization, where the purified molten plastic is extruded and cut into uniform pellets. These standardized pellets are ready for reuse in manufacturing processes, completing the transformation from waste material to valuable resource.

Certification Requirements play a vital role in ensuring the integrity of PCR materials. To comply with sustainability standards like the Global Recycled Standard (GRS), final products must contain a minimum threshold of PCR content, typically starting at 20%. The certification process involves comprehensive traceability audits and verification of the entire recycling chain's integrity, providing assurance of the material's origins and processing history.