PCR vs PIR — Post-Consumer and Post-Industrial Recyclate
PCR comes from used products; PIR comes from manufacturing scrap. Both are genuine recyclate, with different sourcing, consistency and certification implications.
What they are
Recycled plastic is classified by where it comes from. Post-consumer recyclate (PCR) is recovered from products that have completed their consumer life — used bottles, packaging, end-of-life parts. Post-industrial recyclate (PIR), sometimes called pre-consumer, is recovered from manufacturing scrap, offcuts and production waste before it ever reaches a consumer.
Why the distinction matters
PCR demonstrates a closed loop back from the end user and is what most recycled-content regulations and brand commitments target. PIR is typically cleaner and more consistent because it comes from a known production process, which can make it easier to spec. Many certifications (for example the Global Recycled Standard) account for both, with documented chain of custody.
How Sinox supplies both
Sinox sources both PCR and PIR across commodity and engineering polymers, in regrind, regranulate and recompound forms. The material stream is stated on every product so you can match it to your requirement.
Match a grade from the live catalogue, or send us a spec.