Within this article, we will explain China's cosmetic packaging industry in regards to PCR sustainability.
The latest trend in our society is all about being sustainable, promoting eco-friendly materials and the other marketing words to promote a healthier earth! So how does manufacturing in China fit into this category for the cosmetic packaging industry. The answer is biodegradable, organic or recycling of plastics.
While there are various ways to introduce sustainability into your cosmetic brand, the most popular in china's sourcing/manufacturing is producing your packaging with PCR.
What is PCR?
PCR, or post-consumer recycled plastic, is manufactured from used, recycled and repurposed plastic that is collected from beaches, oceans, land and recycling plants.
The key ingredients of a PCR reaction are Taq polymerase, primers, template DNA, and nucleotides. The ingredients are assembled in a tube, along with cofactors needed by the enzyme, and are put through repeated cycles of heating and cooling that allow PCR to form into pellets.
How does PCR promote your brand's sustainability?
PCR allows your brand to market your cosmetics that you are using recycled plastics to make your packaging. Which improves your brand image and decision making to your consumers. It let's your consumers know you are making a healthy decision for the benefit of earth.
Take a look at the picture on the right as a Marketing example. Which other brands are focusing on for their consumer's.
Sustainability trend is not going away. People, governments, and social media is actively discussing these trends. So it's never too later to get into this trend.
What does China offer in terms of PCR for your packaging?
There are still many suppliers in China who are just jumping on this trend so not every supplier has the same knowledge on utilizing PCR for your packaging needs. So we are going to share where PCR is generally used within the cosmetic packaging industry.
PCR PET - Specifically in bottles used for hand sanitizers, soap, lotion, etc
PCR PE - Specifically in tubes used for toothpaste, creams, lotions, etc
PCR PP - Specifically in harder plastics like pumps, airless bottles, deo containers, etc
These 3 are the most common in China today. But it sounds like this may be all the categories for cosmetic packaging? Why can't all products use PCR? The answer is...
Not all suppliers are the same! What do you mean not the same?
There are 2 area's that impact your suppliers choices.
1. Knowledge - Some suppliers are still working on non-PCR material and have not focused in this trend. Which leads to the following concerns
Lack of proper PCR raw material suppliers
Lack of experience in producing products with PCR
Lack of customer support with your products
2. Old Tools - Tools have to be custom made to handle PCR packaging. Sometimes tools can be revised but most times the supplier may have to open a new tool to make the same product they sell with non-PCR material. PCR material reacts differently when it is injected, so older tools are not as efficient to utilize PCR material
These 2 things impact your choices and most importantly cost efficiency.
At IXIN, we been working with various suppliers in the PCR field for cosmetic packaging, since 2018. We were aware of the trend in the early 2010's and successfully assisted many of our existing customers to switch to PCR with minimal impact to their to their product support. If you are interested in knowing more about our China sourcing and manufacturing with sustainable products, visit us at Sustainability Solutions | ixinpackaging. If you do not see anything you like, send us an inquiry at inquiry@ixinglobaltrade.com
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