Spectra Packaging has launched a new 55 per cent post-consumer recycled (PCR) content standard, alongside two PET jar ranges developed under the PCR55 initiative.
The move follows the company’s introduction of PCR10 in 2018 and PCR35 in 2021, and comes as recycled content requirements increase through measures including the UK Plastic Packaging Tax and the European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation.
The first products launched under PCR55 are the Classico and Rotondo PET jar ranges.
Green rating
Classico is available in seven capacities and is manufactured using injection stretch blow moulding. The straight-sided jars contain 55 per cent PCR content and have a Green rating under the UK Extended Producer Responsibility Recyclability Assessment Methodology.
The Rotondo jar range is currently in development and has a softer profile. It is intended to complement Spectra’s existing Rotondo bottle range, which is available in 100ml, 250ml and 500ml formats.
Spectra said PCR55 products across its PET and HDPE ranges will use Prevented Ocean Plastic (POP) materials, which are collected in vulnerable coastal communities before they can enter the ocean.
Jonathan Powell, sales director at Spectra Packaging, said the company was seeing increased demand for higher levels of recycled content while maintaining the quality and appearance expected from packaging.
‘Evolutionary step’
“PCR55 represents the next evolutionary step in our sustainability journey,” he said.
“By establishing 55 per cent recycled content as our future benchmark, we’re helping customers progress towards their sustainability goals while maintaining the consistency, appearance and performance expected from premium packaging applications.”
The Classico and Rotondo ranges were unveiled at London Packaging Week earlier this month.
Spectra has previously supplied packaging made using POP materials, including 250ml Eclipse Oval bottles for UK childcare brand Tiiglu. The PET used for those bottles was collected in East Borneo, Indonesia.
