Colouring PCR
The UK Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT) incentivises the use of recycled plastics in packaging. In April 2025, the tax rate increased to £223.69 per tonne for plastic packaging containing less than 30% post-consumer recycled (PCR) content. With growing pressure on brands to reduce their environmental impact, many are shifting toward packaging with higher PCR content. Partnering with a colour supplier experienced in colouring recycled plastics is essential. We are well-versed in this area, we deliver dozens of PCR colour matches every week.
With global focus intensifying on reducing plastic waste, brand owners, packaging technicians, and moulders are increasingly looking for sustainable material choices. One of the most immediate and impactful solutions is the use of post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastics – reprocessed waste into materials ready for remoulding. The introduction of the UK Plastic Packaging Tax has further accelerated demand, incentivising the shift toward recycled content.
Broadway has been working with PCR materials for many years. Our expertise includes colour formulation for products with high PCR content, and supporting customers in maximising both aesthetic performance and sustainability. We understand that brand owners have high expectations for product appearance. However, using high levels of PCR often means aesthetic compromises. Lighter, brighter, or translucent colours can be difficult to achieve due to the natural tint of the PCR base material, which often carries residual colour from previous use. A helpful analogy is rinsing a paintbrush in water while using watercolours – the water becomes muddy and can no longer be turned back into a bright or translucent shade. Similarly, the inherent tint of PCR limits the extent to which colour masterbatches can transform the colour of the plastic.
Another consideration is consistency. PCR can have batch variations, this means colour formulas that work with one batch may require adjustments to maintain colour consistency when used with a different batch of PCR. This is where Broadway’s technical support adds value – we work closely with our customers and can adjust formulations as required in a bid to maintain colour consistency in your mouldings.
The carrier polymer in a masterbatch usually accounts for around 0.5% to 2.5% of the final moulded product, sometimes more, depending on application. A masterbatch will typically be made using a virgin polymer, but we can also formulate colour masterbatches using PCR carrier resins. Using a PCR carrier is essential for brands wishing to claim their product or packaging is “Made from 100% recycled plastic.”
At Broadway, we encourage our customers to consider incorporating PCR, or increasing its percentage, wherever possible. We’re here to help, not just with colour matching, but with practical insight and helpful guidance. Our in-house colour suite allows us to demonstrate exactly how PCR affects colours, helping you make informed decisions that balance sustainability with aesthetics.
If you’re considering increasing PCR content in your products, get in touch with our team. We’d be happy to support your transition with expert advice and hands-on development.
Save time, with on-site colour approvals
Many brands already enjoy the benefits of working directly with us. Our colour suite allows customers to save time by joining us to approve matches on-site, as samples are produced. We’ll even provide lunch and refreshments, and we’re happy to collect you from our local train station.
Case study: The Body Shop
With its Community Trade recycled plastic initiative in place, The Body Shop asked us to lead the development of colour for their high PCR content bottles. The challenges colourists face are magnified when high levels of PCR material are used. Hosting customers on site means we can explore options for colouring and demonstrate first-hand how materials will look. The Body Shop utilised our on-site colour suite to develop and approve colours with ease and efficiency. The main focus was their Ginger Shampoo bottle, which uses 100% PCR content, 15% of which is Community Trade Recycled.
We developed other colours for use in PCR materials to support The Body Shop’s extensive product range. Our colour suite allows a range of new colours to be developed and approved within the day – saving time and money for customers such as The Body Shop. Our team can instantly demonstrate how colour is impacted by different levels of PCR content. This offers the perfect solution in response to the ever increasing demand for colouring PCR material. With access to our expert colourists, the latest testing equipment and our friendly team offering support each step of the way, our customers are in safe hands.
Contact our expert team today to discuss your requirements.
