Recycle

At Graham, we place a strong emphasis on the benefits of recycling and the positive impact it has on the environment. We utilize over 100 million pounds of recycled material called Post Consumer Resin (PCR) per year in the production of our plastic automotive and laundry product containers. Fifty million pounds of the PCR we use comes from our subsidiary Graham Recycling Center in York, Pennsylvania. Graham Recycling Center is one of the largest suppliers of bottle-grade recycled plastics in the world.

Recycling enables us to save vast amounts of energy and natural resources, to divert hundreds of millions of pounds of plastic from landfills and to substantially reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. We spend a large amount of time working with trade associations to encourage and support their recycling efforts.

Graham Packaging Recycling Center

Graham's Environmental Impact

  • Currently consumes high density polyethylene (HDPE) PCR and rPET
  • At the forefront of recycling trade associations to help get plastic packages “back in the bin”
  • Improves customers’ sustainability initiatives and regulatory targets by providing a significant supply of PCR
  • Reduces the amount of plastic that ends up in landfills
  • Reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions: Example: By utilizing 25% PCR in HDPE we can reduce GHG emissions by 26%

How PCR is Produced

  • PCR production begins with the curbside or drop-off collection of recyclable plastic containers
  • Recyclable plastic containers are sorted and washed
  • Recyclable plastic is extruded and formed into pellets
  • Pellets are reprocessed into packages

Benefits of PCR

  • Reduced use of virgin material
  • Does not require further use of fossil fuels for production
  • Comparable to the appearance and feel of virgin resin
  • Reduced amount of plastic that ends up in landfills
  • Reduced greenhouse gas emissions. It takes less GHG to recycle and use PCR vs. virgin resin (per ACC LCA).
  • Offers resistance to stress cracking
  • Less water and energy required to produce than other types of plastic

PCR allows for a sustainable solution for environmentally friendly packaging. It can be produced from recycled plastics that would otherwise end up in landfills and reduces the need for virgin resins. Recycled content in plastic containers can range from 0% - 100%. The higher the percentage, the better it is for the environment.

 

Graham Packaging PCR