Spectra raises recycled content in personal care packaging

Spectra Packaging has launched its Classico range of personal care jars with 55% post-consumer recycled PET, setting a new recycled-content benchmark for the company's rigid packaging portfolio.

The range was unveiled at London Packaging Week 2026 and forms part of Spectra's PCR55 initiative, which aims to make 55% recycled content a standard across future packaging solutions.

The jars are available in seven sizes ranging from 50 ml to 400 ml, giving personal care brands greater flexibility when moving towards higher levels of recycled material.

55% rPET exceeds current regulatory thresholds

The new Classico jars contain significantly more recycled plastic than the 30% threshold used by the UK's Plastic Packaging Tax.

The European Union is also moving towards higher recycled-content requirements under the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation. For contact-sensitive plastic packaging, the PPWR establishes a minimum recycled-content target of 30% from 2030 and 50% from 2040.

By moving directly to 55% rPET, Spectra is positioning the jars above these thresholds and giving brands additional headroom as regulatory requirements become progressively stricter.

Recycled content designed for premium applications

One of the challenges associated with increasing PCR content in personal care packaging is maintaining the visual consistency and surface quality expected by premium brands.

Recycled PET can introduce variations in colour and clarity depending on the quality and origin of the feedstock.

Spectra says the PCR55 approach is designed to combine higher recycled content with the appearance, performance and consistency required for personal care applications.

Classico range covers multiple product formats

The injection stretch blow-moulded Classico jars are available in 50 ml, 100 ml, 150 ml, 200 ml, 250 ml, 300 ml and 400 ml versions.

This range allows the same recycled-content strategy to be applied across different product categories and pack sizes rather than being limited to a single application.

Spectra is also developing its Rotondo PET jar range as part of the PCR55 programme, extending the approach to a more distinctive rounded silhouette for brands seeking stronger shelf differentiation.

Packaging receives Green EPR rating

Spectra says its 55% rPET packaging solutions have achieved a Green rating under the UK's packaging EPR recyclability assessment methodology.

The combination of high recycled content and recyclability is becoming increasingly important as brands move from voluntary sustainability commitments towards packaging systems designed to meet formal regulatory and producer-responsibility requirements.

Personal care packaging increases demand for PCR

Personal care and cosmetics are becoming important markets for recycled plastic as brands seek to reduce virgin material while maintaining rigid packaging formats that provide durability and premium presentation.

Using rPET allows manufacturers to retain the familiar material characteristics of PET while incorporating a significant proportion of recovered post-consumer material.

The approach can also help brands address recycled-content targets without immediately moving to alternative materials that may require substantial changes to manufacturing, filling or supply-chain infrastructure.

PCR55 targets a higher industry benchmark

Spectra's decision to establish 55% recycled content as a future standard reflects a broader shift in the packaging industry from minimum compliance towards higher recycled-content targets.

For brands, moving beyond regulatory thresholds can provide greater flexibility as legislation develops while also increasing the amount of post-consumer material retained in new packaging.

The Classico launch demonstrates how higher PCR content is increasingly moving from individual sustainability projects into standardised packaging ranges designed for wider commercial adoption.