B2B packaging direct from the importer

Flat Bags with Recycled Content – PCR-LDPE with GRS Certification

Flat bags with a defined PCR recyclate content (30, 50 or 80 %) – GRS-certified for non-food applications. Concrete recycling quota, clean documentation, verifiable for marketing and ESG audits.

Further variants of this packaging family: Flat bags, Flat bags sustainable and Flat bags transparent – each with its own specialisation in material, format or application.

Related ranges for other application areas: Sustainable packaging, Ziplock bags with recycled content and Ziplock bags sustainable.

Packaging directly from the importer since 1972 – fast shipping, transparent graduated prices and free samples before your first order.

01

What are flat bags with recycled content?

Flat bags with recycled content contain post-consumer recyclate (PCR) – that is, LDPE granulate from the household recycling stream – which, after industrial processing, is made into film again. Unlike classic industrial recyclate, PCR closes the loop where most packaging arises – at the end customer. For marketing claims and ESG audits, PCR is more meaningful than industrial recyclate because it represents genuine circular economy.

Flat bags are technically particularly well suited to high PCR shares, because their simple single-layer structure can take up recyclate without compromises in functionality. While composite films with high-barrier layers are often limited to 30 % PCR, flat bags can be reliably produced even with an 80 % PCR share. The recycled content is exactly defined and is proven seamlessly from the collection point to the end product by the GRS certificate (Global Recycled Standard).

Our range of flat bags with recycled content is intended for non-food applications (industrial variant); for direct food contact, rLDPE/PCR films are still undergoing testing for food-contact suitability. Depending on the quota, the film is slightly more tinted than pure virgin material – many brands even use this effect deliberately as an authentic recycling signal. On request we supply GRS certificates, cradle-to-gate data and declarations of conformity to document your sustainability claims.

02

What are PCR flat bags suitable for?

  • Brands with recycling marketing: „X % from recyclate“ as a verifiable advertising claim
  • Companies subject to ESG reporting: GRS certificates as audit proof
  • Sustainability brands in non-food applications: visible recyclate content without food contact
  • Public procurement: municipalities and authorities with recycling requirements
  • End-customer direct marketing: visible sustainability signal in shipping
  • Industrial B2B with an eco claim: component packaging with a recycling claim
03

Which PCR percentage is the right one?

  • 30 % PCR: entry-level quota, cost-efficient, clearly visible marketing effect
  • 50 % PCR: balanced middle ground between recycling degree and film appearance
  • 80 % PCR: maximum recycling quota, visibly sustainable brand positioning
  • Non-food only: rLDPE/PCR films still undergoing testing for food-contact suitability
  • Industrial variant: PCR for non-food applications
  • GRS-certified: Global Recycled Standard with seamless supply-chain proof
  • Film thicknesses 50/70/90 microns: all standard film thicknesses available
  • With or without euro-hole: hanging presentation or pure packaging application
04

Your advantages with PCR flat bags from Elke Plastic

We have imported packaging bags since 1972 and have followed the market for PCR films from the very beginning. For you, that means verifiable recycling rates instead of marketing platitudes. On request we supply GRS certificates, supply-chain evidence and detailed material data sheets. This lets you substantiate your recycling claims in any ESG audit – without the risk of legal warnings from unspecific “recycled” promises.

Flat bags are technically particularly well suited to PCR: the simple single-layer structure allows high percentages without loss of functionality. Our suppliers have adapted the sealing and welding parameters for PCR films, so that even 80% PCR films are reliably tear-resistant. For your own filling processes we advise you on the right machine settings for PCR films.

Shipping is from our German warehouse. Standard PCR sizes are generally in stock; individual percentages or printing are scheduled accordingly. All customers – B2B and B2C alike – receive tiered pricing. Free samples and GRS certificates are a matter of course – test the appearance and tear resistance in advance.

08

Shipping & terms

Shipping from our German warehouse. Standard PCR sizes are generally in stock; individual recycled-content percentages and printing are scheduled individually within the delivery window. All customers – B2B and B2C alike – receive tiered pricing (no minimum order value). GRS certificates and free samples via our enquiry form.

Frequently asked questions about flat bags with recycled content

What is PCR recyclate?

PCR stands for post-consumer recyclate: plastic that is recovered from the consumer loop (yellow bag, DSD), processed and made into film again. In contrast to industrial recyclate, PCR closes the loop where most packaging arises – at the end customer. For marketing claims, PCR is more meaningful.

What does GRS certification mean?

GRS (Global Recycled Standard) is an internationally recognised certificate that proves the recycling share seamlessly from the collection point to the end product. For ESG audits, GRS is usually mandatory proof for brands with recycling advertising.

Which PCR quota should I choose?

For marketing visibility, 30 % is often enough. For the maximum recycling effect, 80 % is the maximum on the market. 50 % is a good middle ground that balances recycling impact and film appearance.

Are PCR flat bags food-safe?

No. At present, all rLDPE/PCR variants are still undergoing testing for food-contact suitability and are intended for non-food applications. For direct food contact, please choose our food-safe bags made from virgin material.

Does the tear resistance deteriorate due to PCR?

No, provided high-quality formulations are used. At 30 % PCR, hardly any difference from virgin material is noticeable. At 80 % PCR, the tear resistance may be minimally reduced, which is hardly relevant in practice. For premium applications we recommend 30–50 % PCR.

What does a PCR film look like?

30 % PCR film looks almost like standard clear goods with minimal tinting. 50 % PCR shows a slight grey tint. 80 % PCR films are visibly discoloured yellow-grey and partly interspersed with small coloured dots (residues of the original colours). Many brands use this deliberately as an authentic recycling signal.

What may I communicate on the packaging?

Clearly documented facts: „from X % recycled material (PCR)“, „GRS-certified“, „from the yellow bag“. Avoid unspecific wording such as „recycled“ without a quota, „Eco“ or „green“ – these are legally sensitive and little valued by the end customer.

How does PCR differ from sustainable bags?

PCR is a specific sustainability strategy (recycled material). Under „sustainable“ we group all environmentally friendly variants: PCR, bio-PE and mono-material. Anyone who specifically wants to communicate a recycling quota chooses PCR.

Are PCR bags recyclable in the yellow bag?

Yes. Like conventional LDPE, PCR-LDPE is recyclable in the PE stream via the yellow bag – a double loop effect. For full circular impact we recommend printing the resin code (PE-LD).

Which printing is ideal for recyclability?

Mineral-oil-free and water-based printing inks preserve recyclability. Classic solvent-based gravure inks can disrupt the recycling stream. For maximally recycling-friendly printing we recommend partially printed variants.

Which run sizes make sense?

Stock goods in standard sizes with 30 % PCR are available from stock. Higher quotas or individual printing are worthwhile from larger quantities. We advise on run-size calculations.

Why do PCR bags cost more?

The surcharge results from a more complex recycling process, higher raw material costs and smaller economies of scale. Typically a 10–30 % surcharge compared to standard goods. For brands with a sustainability positioning, this quickly pays off through end-customer acceptance.

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