At EcoPackables, we believe sustainable packaging shouldn’t be a compromise—it should be strong, scalable, and truly circular. That’s why our paper-based packaging solutions, from Kraft mailers to honeycomb-padded mailers, retail boxes, paper tubes, and shipping cartons, are made using a thoughtful blend of post-consumer recycled (PCR) and post-industrial recycled (PIR) content.
But what does that mean—and why does it matter?
What’s the Difference Between PCR and PIR?
Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) paper is made from material that has already served its purpose—think used newspapers, magazines, paper bags, or shipping boxes that have been collected through recycling programs. After being sorted, cleaned, and reprocessed, these fibers get a second life in new packaging.
Post-Industrial Recycled (PIR) content, on the other hand, comes from clean scrap generated during manufacturing. This might include paper trim from large-scale converting operations or excess material from printing lines—material that was never used by a consumer but would otherwise go to waste.
Both are recycled, but they play different roles in performance and supply chain stability.
Why Blend the Two?
Using both PIR and PCR in recycled paper packaging isn’t just common—it’s essential. Here’s why we do it:
1. Improved Performance and Durability
Packaging has to hold up under pressure—literally. From shipping boxes to honeycomb-padded mailers, strength matters. PCR fibers can be shorter and less uniform after multiple cycles, while PIR offers longer, more consistent fibers. By combining the two, we create packaging that’s not only sustainable, but structurally sound and suitable for e-commerce, retail, and logistics.
2. Reliable Quality and Appearance
PIR is typically cleaner and more uniform, which helps ensure smoother surfaces and better printability—important for branded retail boxes and Kraft mailers where visual appeal counts. Blending in PCR supports circularity, while PIR helps keep quality high.
3. Stronger Supply Chain Resilience
PCR supply is tied to consumer recycling rates and local infrastructure, which can vary. PIR, however, is more abundant and predictable, especially at the mill level. Blending both ensures we can scale your packaging without bottlenecks or delays.
4. Cost Efficiency Without Cutting Corners
PCR can be more expensive to process due to sorting and de-inking. PIR, being cleaner to start with, helps offset those costs—making recycled packaging more affordable while still meeting your sustainability goals.
What You’ll Find in EcoPackables Products
Whether you’re shipping a product in a 100% recycled Kraft mailer, protecting goods with our honeycomb paper padded mailers, boxing up a luxury item in a custom retail box, or using paper tubes for compact storage—we apply the same thoughtful sourcing behind the scenes.
Our goal is to use 100% recycled content wherever possible, combining PIR and PCR to balance sustainability with performance, cost, and aesthetics. This approach allows us to offer premium, eco-conscious packaging that works for both emerging brands and high-volume operations.
Sustainable Packaging, Backed by Smart Sourcing
Recycled content isn’t one-size-fits-all—and neither is sustainability. By blending PIR and PCR, EcoPackables ensures your paper packaging doesn’t just check a box, but actually works the way you need it to: tough when it counts, consistent in appearance, and built on a circular foundation.
Have questions about the recycled content in your current packaging? Our team can walk you through the material blend and help you choose the best option for your goals.