Regulations promoting the use of post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials in packaging are gaining momentum around the world, reshaping how industrial packaging is designed, sourced, and managed.In the United States, regulatory momentum around recycled content continues to grow. California and New Jersey have established recycled-content requirements for certain plastic packaging, while EPR legislation in states such as Colorado and Minnesota is advancing broader circular economy goals that encourage greater use of recycled materials and improved packaging recovery systems.

The European Union’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) establishes mandatory minimum recycled content requirements for plastic packaging, with 2030 targets ranging from 10 – 35%, further accelerating the shift toward circular packaging solutions.

What does this mean for industrial packaging users?

As PCR requirements expand, companies using industrial packaging should begin planning now to avoid supply disruptions, compliance risks, or performance challenges. Key considerations include:

• Know the laws: Understand the specific PCR mandates and EPR requirements in the regions where you operate or sell products.
• Engage suppliers early: Explore available packaging materials and product options that incorporate PCR and ensure suppliers can reliably source the right type of resin.
• Prioritize quality and consistency: Partner with suppliers that have strong sourcing, processing, and quality controls to ensure dependable, high-performance PCR materials.
• Plan for appearance and branding impacts: PCR materials can introduce color variation compared to virgin plastics. Involving marketing and branding teams early can help manage expectations and maintain brand standards.
• Conduct feasibility studies: Testing PCR-containing packaging in real-world conditions is essential to confirm performance, safety, and compatibility with your operations.

How Mauser Packaging Solutions Helps Customers Prepare

Preparing for a future with higher recycled content requirements involves more than simply selecting packaging with PCR. As regulations and sustainability expectations continue to evolve, companies are increasingly looking at the entire packaging lifecycle, from material selection and product performance to recovery, reuse, recycling, and end-of-life management.

At Mauser Packaging Solutions, we believe circularity requires a comprehensive approach. Through our Recover Syst-M® collection program, we help customers recover used industrial packaging for reuse, reconditioning, and recycling, keeping valuable materials in circulation and reducing waste. This closed-loop infrastructure provides a reliable source of high-quality post-consumer resin while helping customers advance their own sustainability and circular economy objectives.

Since 2012, we have manufactured Recolene®, our proprietary high-quality PCR resin produced from recovered industrial packaging. Compared to virgin high-density polyethylene resin, Recolene can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 75% per kilogram of material used while delivering the quality and consistency required for demanding industrial applications.

Recolene is a key material used across our Infinity Series®, a portfolio of industrial packaging solutions designed to help customers incorporate recycled content without compromising performance or reliability. The Infinity Series includes:

• IBCs – Bottle contains up to 35% PCR
• Plastic Drums – Up to 99% PCR
• Plastic Pails – Up to 50% PCR
• Medical Waste Containers – Up to 64% PCR (PP)
• Tight-Head Containers – Up to 96% PCR
• Lube Oil Cans – Up to 50% PCR
• Hobbocks – Up to 25% PCR

As PCR regulations continue to evolve, successful compliance will depend on thoughtful planning, trusted partnerships, and packaging systems designed with circularity in mind. By combining recovery, reconditioning, recycling, and innovative packaging solutions, Mauser Packaging Solutions helps customers navigate changing requirements while supporting both operational and sustainability goals.