PCR Plastic

At Lucy Bee, we’re always striving to make better choices for the planet. That’s why we’ve chosen to incorporate post-consumer-recycled (PCR) plastic into our product packaging. By using PCR plastic, we’re helping reduce waste and give materials a second life, keeping them out of landfills and reducing the need for virgin plastic.

 

What is PCR Plastic?

PCR plastic is made from plastic that has already been used and discarded, such as water bottles or milk cartons. Instead of letting these items end up in landfills or being incinerated, they are recycled, cleaned, and transformed into new products. For us, this means using 100% PCR plastic for the bottles of our Naturally Glowing Self-Tan Mousse and Hydrating Foam Face Wash, and 70% PCR plastic tubes for our Lip Balm and Eye Cream.

How is PCR plastic made?

The process starts with plastic being collected and sorted, it is then ground, washed, dried and pelletised. These pellets can be used to create new products, giving them a new life and helping reduce our reliance on virgin plastic.

 

What is the benefit of PCR plastic?

Reduces landfill waste. Since this is recycled plastic which is already in the world, it helps to reduce the amount of plastic that ends up in landfills.

Lowers carbon footprint. It reduces the amount of plastic that is sent for incineration, and also helps to reduce the use of fossil fuels which are used to produce virgin oil-based plastics.

PCR plastic can be recycled again and transformed into something new. Varying percentages of PCR plastic can be used, from 10% - 100% PCR plastic.

Current Products and PCR Plastic 

Currently, we’ve used 100% PCR plastic for the packaging of our Tanning Mousse and Face Wash, and 70% for our Lip Balms and Eye Cream. The higher the PCR percentage is the more stiff the plastic becomes, which is why it is unsuitable for the Lip Balms and Eye Creams to be in 100% PCR packaging as the packaging wouldn't function.

Currently we are unable to use a PCR plastic lid, however, it is something that we are looking into with our manufacturer, and as soon as a suitable one is available we will use it.  We’ve used as much PCR plastic as possible to make this a sustainable solution.

Why we didn’t use a glass bottle

There is currently no glass bottle that will fit our specific foam pump, so glass isn’t an option.

What about aluminium?

Another option that we looked at was aluminium packaging, however, there is currently no aluminium bottle on the market that works with the foamer but we’ll continue to look at new options as they come to the market. 

Moving forward

We’re a small, family business who very much care about the packaging that we use and we want you to know that we’re doing the best that we can with the options that are available to us.

 Read more about sustainability from Lucy Bee here.

 

 

About Lucy Bee

Lucy Bee is a lifestyle brand selling food, skincare and soap products all completely free from palm oil and with minimal use of plastic. Lucy Bee is concerned with Fair Trade, organic, ethical and sustainable living, recycling and empowering people to make informed choices and select quality, natural products for their food and their skin.

Any information provided by us is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. We always recommend referring your health queries to a qualified medical practitioner.