Youth to the People, based in Los Angeles, United States, has incorporated post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic into its packaging components, specifically using a minimum of 70% recycled content in product pumps and lids. This approach focuses on reducing reliance on virgin plastic materials while supporting circular material flows by reintroducing previously used plastics into new packaging applications. The PCR components are integrated alongside primary packaging formats that include glass containers, selected for their durability and compatibility with established recycling systems. The combination of glass and recycled plastic components reflects a hybrid packaging strategy, where material choices are optimised based on functional requirements such as dispensing performance and product protection. In addition to material selection, the company is implementing refillable formats, allowing consumers to reuse primary packaging and reduce overall material consumption over time. This system-based approach to packaging design aims to extend product lifecycle and minimise single-use waste generation. The use of PCR plastic in smaller components such as pumps and closures addresses a segment of packaging that is often more challenging to replace due to technical constraints, including mechanical performance and compatibility with formulations.
The use of high levels of PCR plastic in functional components such as pumps and lids demonstrates a practical approach to increasing recycled content in complex packaging elements.
This has applications for Health & Beauty products.
