WHAT ARE POST-CONSUMER RECYCLED MATERIALS?

As scientists continue to learn more about the environmental impact of our lifestyles, including how the products we use every day are manufactured and discarded, companies and government around the world are enacting new policies to reduce their carbon footprints and other negative qualities associated with producing and manufacturing goods.

Of the numerous strategies for combating climate change currently in effect, the use of post-consumer recycled materials, or PCR materials, is a majorly popular one that is constantly becoming more popular.  In this article, we will explore what PCR materials are and how they can be beneficial.

What exactly are PCR materials?

Put simply, PCR materials are materials made from everyday materials such as paper, aluminum, and plastic that has already been used and recycled by consumers. The recycled materials are collected, sorted, and broken down into small pieces. These pieces are then applied in a variety of ways during the manufacturing and production of new products.

PCR materials are distinct from other forms of eco-friendly materials such as compostable packaging and recyclable packaging, both of which may be reused again in different scenarios. Usually, as PCR materials have already been made from recycled materials, they cannot be recycled again.

What are the benefits of PCR materials?

Most generally, PCR materials reduce the number of products made from new materials that are in circulation, thereby reducing consumer waste. PCR materials are applicable in the manufacturing of many products, especially packaging, and this greatly reduces the waste a company produces, and their overall carbon footprint. PCR materials are also majorly consumer friendly, as they contribute to the fight against climate change without any work required of consumers themselves. This means you can purchase products made with PCR materials totally guilt-free and confident that the product you have purchased is part of the solution rather than the problem.

Many electronic goods and the materials used to manufacture and package those goods can be composed of PCR materials. For example, plastics made from PCR materials may be used in consumer electronic goods ranging from routers and laptops to wearable smart devices and Bluetooth headphones. PC parts can also make use of PCR materials. Accordingly, Cooler Master has begun integrating PCR materials into our products. The MasterLiquid Atmos AIO liquid cooler, for example, features a pump top cover entirely manufactured from PCR materials. The GX III Gold Eco Edition PSU, on the other hand, features several components constructed with PCR plastics. The PSU’s case is composed of 12% recycled iron, the fan of 50% recycled plastics, and the heat sinks of 80% recycled aluminum.

Conclusion

Products manufactured and produced with PCR materials are a win for everyone. They make a sustainable lifestyle easier on consumers and they allow companies to reduce their own carbon footprints. At Cooler Master, we are devoted to integrating PCR materials into our products as a part of our broader sustainability initiative for a greener future. For more details on our sustainability-focused products, please visit our website.

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