What is the difference between PCR and PIR, and what counts towards the PPWR quota?

PCR stands for post-consumer recyclate, that is material from waste that has already been with the end consumer. PIR stands for post-industrial recyclate, that is material from production waste that never reached the consumer. Only PCR counts towards the minimum recycled content quotas of the PPWR under Article 7.

This has practical consequences: many suppliers report both together as “recycled content”. Packaging with 30% PIR and 10% PCR does not meet a 30 percent quota, but sits at 10%. Evidence that does not distinguish between PCR and PIR cannot be used for Article 7. The flustix RECYCLED trustmark therefore states the recyclate type explicitly.