For brands evaluating flexible packaging, two of the most common paths are post-consumer recycled (PCR) film and compostable film. They both reduce environmental impact, but they do it differently, perform differently, and suit different brands and applications.
This guide breaks down what each option actually is, how they compare across the factors that matter most to packaging buyers, and how to think about which one is right for your product and sustainability goals.
What Is PCR Packaging Film?
Post-consumer recycled (PCR) packaging film is made from plastic that has already been used by consumers and collected through recycling programs. That plastic is cleaned, reprocessed, and converted into new film, giving it a second life rather than sending it to landfill or incineration.
The environmental case for PCR film is straightforward. It reduces the demand for virgin plastic production, which is energy-intensive and carbon-heavy. It diverts plastic waste from landfill and, by doing so, supports the circular economy.
For brands, PCR film is a credible and increasingly expected sustainability move. Major retailers have set targets for recycled content in packaging, and PCR film is one of the clearest ways to demonstrate measurable progress toward those targets. It’s also a story consumers understand; recycled content is a concept most people are already familiar with, which makes it easy to communicate on pack.
Farnell’s ReFlex PCR™ is our proprietary PCR film, engineered to incorporate post-consumer recycled plastic while maintaining performance properties like seal strength, flexibility, and puncture resistance that food and consumer goods packaging demands.
What Is Compostable Packaging Film?
Compostable packaging film is made from materials, typically plant-based or bio-based polymers, that break down into non-toxic components under composting conditions. Unlike conventional plastic which can persist in the environment for hundreds of years, compostable film is designed to decompose at end of life and return to the earth without leaving harmful residues.
There are two main types of compostable packaging: industrially compostable, which requires the high temperatures and controlled conditions of a commercial composting facility, and home compostable, which breaks down in a standard backyard compost environment. The distinction matters. A film that is only industrially compostable won’t break down in a home compost bin, and labelling needs to reflect this clearly to avoid misleading consumers.
The environmental case for compostable film is equally compelling, just focused on a different stage of the lifecycle. Even the best recyclable packaging ends up in landfill if consumers don’t sort it correctly. Compostable film removes that dependency entirely. It offers a genuine end-of-life solution that breaks down into non-toxic components regardless of whether recycling infrastructure is available or used correctly. For brands that want full accountability for what happens to their packaging after it leaves the consumer’s hands, compostable film is the more direct path to that outcome.
Farnell’s TerraFlex™ is our fully compostable flexible packaging film, designed to break down into non-toxic components without compromising on the durability and tear resistance that packaging applications require.
How They Compare
Understanding the difference between PCR and compostable film comes down to a few key dimensions: what problem each one solves, how each performs, and what infrastructure each depends on.
Environmental Impact
PCR film addresses the problem of plastic waste at the production stage. By using recycled content, it reduces the demand for new plastic and keeps existing plastic in circulation. Compostable film addresses the problem at the end-of-life stage, ensuring the packaging breaks down rather than persisting in the environment.
Neither is categorically better than the other. The right choice depends on where your brand wants to make its environmental impact and what your customers and retail partners are measuring.
Performance
Both PCR and compostable films can deliver strong packaging performance, but they have different characteristics that matter depending on the application.
PCR film closely mirrors the performance of conventional plastic film in most applications. Seal strength, flexibility, and barrier properties are generally well-maintained. The primary variable is the percentage of recycled content; higher PCR content can sometimes affect optical clarity or processing behaviour, which is why working with an experienced supplier to validate performance is important.
Compostable film can perform comparably to conventional film in many applications, but it tends to have lower moisture and oxygen barrier properties than standard plastic. For applications where barrier performance is critical — fresh produce, seafood, products with long shelf life requirements — this is an important consideration. It also behaves differently on production equipment and typically requires validation before transitioning.
End-of-Life and Infrastructure
This is where the two options diverge most significantly. PCR film, as a plastic, is recyclable through existing streams, provided it meets the recyclability criteria of the relevant program . This means consumers can dispose of it through familiar recycling channels, which improves the likelihood of correct disposal.
Compostable film requires composting infrastructure. Industrially compostable film needs access to commercial composting facilities, which are not universally available. Home compostable film has broader end-of-life accessibility but typically has lower performance properties. Brands choosing compostable packaging need to be confident that their consumers have access to appropriate disposal channels, otherwise the environmental benefit of the material isn’t realised.
Consumer Communication
PCR content is a concept most consumers already understand. “Made with recycled plastic” is a clear, credible claim that resonates across most consumer segments and is straightforward to communicate on pack.
Compostable packaging requires more consumer education, particularly around the distinction between industrially and home compostable. Brands that choose compostable film should invest in clear on-pack communication and, where possible, work with retailers and municipalities to ensure disposal infrastructure is accessible to their customers.
Retailer and Regulatory Alignment
Many major retailers have set specific targets for recycled content and recyclability in packaging, and PCR film directly addresses both. Compostable packaging, while not always counted toward retailer recyclability targets today, is an area of active evolution. A growing number of retailers and municipalities are recognising compostable packaging as a legitimate sustainability credential, and brands that establish compostable programs now are well-positioned as that recognition broadens.
Regulatory requirements around compostable claims are also evolving. In several markets, compostable packaging must meet certified standards to make on-pack claims, such as the BPI standard in North America or EN 13432 in Europe. Brands should ensure their compostable packaging is appropriately certified before making claims. For PCR film, the primary consideration is meeting the recyclability criteria of the relevant program to ensure the material can be properly disposed of through existing streams.
Which Option Is Right for Your Brand?
There’s no universal answer, but there are clear signals that point toward one option or the other.
Compostable film is likely the better fit if your brand is committed to full end-of-life responsibility and your consumers have access to appropriate composting infrastructure. For brands in foodservice, specialty retail, or markets with strong composting infrastructure, compostable packaging can be a genuine differentiator. It’s also a sustainability commitment that goes beyond the point of sale.
PCR film is likely the better fit if your priority is meeting retailer recycled content targets, if your consumers are already familiar with recycling and participate in curbside programs, or if your product requires the barrier performance and processing behaviour of conventional plastic film. It’s also the more straightforward transition for most brands, since PCR film typically runs on existing equipment with minimal adjustment.
For many brands, the answer isn’t either/or. PCR film across primary packaging and compostable options for specific product lines or markets is a practical approach that allows brands to make progress on multiple fronts.
Farnell’s team can help you evaluate the right path for your specific product, production environment, and sustainability goals. Click here to talk to a packaging specialist.
Frequently Asked Questions
In most applications, yes. PCR film is engineered to maintain the seal strength, flexibility, and puncture resistance of conventional plastic. The key variable is PCR content percentage and how the film is formulated, which is why working with a supplier who has validated the performance of their PCR film for specific applications matters. Farnell’s ReFlex PCR™ is designed to perform without compromise across standard food and consumer goods packaging applications.
In most cases, yes. PCR content and recyclability are both recognised by major retailer sustainability programs. However, requirements vary by retailer and program. Farnell stays current with the requirements of major retailers and can advise on whether a specific PCR film meets the criteria for your retail partners.
Neither is categorically better, they address different parts of the environmental problem. PCR film reduces the demand for virgin plastic and supports the circular economy at the production stage. Compostable film addresses end-of-life by ensuring the packaging breaks down rather than persisting in the environment. The better choice depends on your brand’s specific sustainability priorities, your consumers’ access to disposal infrastructure, and your retail partners’ requirements.
PCR film generally transitions well onto existing equipment, though validation is always recommended before committing to a full transition. Compostable film can behave differently from conventional plastic on production lines and typically requires more thorough testing and adjustment. Farnell’s senior packaging engineers conduct site visits and production test runs for both types of transitions to ensure new materials perform correctly before you commit.
Farnell offers a range of sustainable packaging solutions including ReFlex PCR, TerraFlex™, and recycle-ready films like Glacier™ and Claropac™. Visit our sustainable packaging page to learn more, or contact our team to discuss the right option for your brand.
