Energy-conservation and carbon reduction can be achieved through the use of PCR

In recent years, PCR has become red hot. However, the “PCR” subject of this article does not refer to Polymerase Chain Reaction detection, but PCR Plastic (Post-Consumer Recycled Plastic), which encompass plastic products discarded by consumers that are collected, sorted, processed, and reused as raw materials.

So what are the benefits of PCR and why have so many major companies adopted it? The use of PCR materials can reduce the exploitation of new natural resources to produce new products, thereby reducing waste generation, landfills and incineration, environment burden, energy consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions, while also helping to promote a circular economy. Coupled with governments’ vigorous promotion of ESG, PCR has also become an entry point for many companies in implementing their sustainability policies.

What is the difference between PCR material and standard plastic? People dislike more expensive products in general. Standard plastics utilize plastic particles extracted from petrochemical raw materials, while PCR materials use plastic particles derived from collection, sorting, grinding, screening, and cleaning, to which different proportions of news plastics are added post-process. Of course, more processes will inevitably increase production cost but this will not affect the normal use of the final product.

Finally, let us talk numbers. Commercially available products made of PCR materials will indicate the percentage of PCR materials used. In fact, this involves brands’ economies of scale as well as the design and color of products. A high percentage of PCR materials, although more beneficial to the environment, will also increase production costs. In addition, if the original recycled material is of poor quality or has been recycled and reused many times, product quality may be affected. It is also easier for darker and especially black products to use 100% PCR material. The lower percentage of PCR material will face more stringent durability inspections in terms of temperature, impact, and hardness.

ADATA launched demonstration HC300 ECO external hard drive and UC310 ECO flash drive products consisting of 35% PCR material

In summary, products made of PCR materials have undergone strict verification and testing. If PCR materials are properly handled and used, they can maintain sufficient durability while, simultaneously, achieve the goals of environmental protection.