The world of packaging is undergoing a major transformation. As sustainability moves from a marketing buzzword to a manufacturing mandate, PCR PET bottles are leading the charge — combining the strength and clarity of virgin polyester with the environmental responsibility of recycled materials.
For more than a century, Pilcher Hamilton Corporation (PHC) has been a trusted name in polyester innovation and converting excellence. Founded in 1904 and headquartered at 850 South Buncombe Road, Greer, South Carolina, PHC stands as one of the largest merchant suppliers and converters of polyester films and PET-based materials in the United States.
With over 10 million pounds of inventory, precision converting services, and 24–48-hour delivery, PHC serves converters, packaging manufacturers, and brands across the country who search for “polyester near me” — and expect nothing less than quality, speed, and sustainability.
What Are PCR PET Bottles?
Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) PET bottles are made from recycled polyester resin recovered from previously used PET containers, films, and packaging. The collected materials are cleaned, ground, and reprocessed into high-quality pellets that are molded into new bottles — reducing the need for virgin plastics.
Despite being made from recycled content, PCR PET bottles retain all the key attributes of traditional PET:
- Exceptional clarity and gloss
- High impact resistance
- Lightweight yet durable structure
- Food and beverage safety compliance
PHC collaborates with packaging manufacturers to supply bottle-grade PCR PET materials that meet the same mechanical and aesthetic standards as virgin resin — delivering both sustainability and performance in every container.
Learn more about our sustainability-focused products:
👉 Post-Consumer Recycled Films
👉 Sustainability First Program
👉 Barrier Laminates
Why PCR PET Bottles Are the Sustainable Choice
Switching to PCR PET bottles offers environmental, economic, and reputational benefits that align with global sustainability goals and consumer expectations.
- Reduced Carbon Footprint
Manufacturing PCR PET resin uses up to 60% less energy than producing virgin PET, resulting in fewer greenhouse gas emissions. - Waste Reduction
Each PCR bottle represents recovered plastic that would otherwise contribute to landfill or ocean waste, reinforcing a closed-loop circular economy. - Maintained Performance
PHC ensures that PCR PET bottles maintain excellent clarity, stiffness, and seal integrity — identical to non-recycled materials. - Brand Differentiation
As consumers prioritize eco-conscious purchases, brands using PCR PET gain credibility and market loyalty. - Regulatory Compliance
Many retailers and governments are introducing mandates requiring recycled content in packaging — making PCR PET the forward-thinking solution.
The PHC Approach: Quality, Performance, Sustainability
At Pilcher Hamilton Corporation, we believe sustainability should never come at the expense of performance. That’s why our PCR PET materials undergo rigorous testing and converting processes to ensure every roll, sheet, or resin batch meets the industry’s highest standards.
We specialize in precision converting services, including:
- Slitting for exact roll widths
- Sheeting for consistent flat stock
- Winding for uniform tension control
- Toll Converting for customer-supplied materials
- Coating for specialty surface treatments
- Corona Treating for improved adhesion
These capabilities, paired with our expertise in PET performance chemistry, allow PHC to deliver PCR PET materials that are optimized for bottle manufacturing, labeling, and downstream packaging integration.
How PCR PET Bottles Are Made
The transformation from used bottle to new packaging is a meticulous process:
- Collection & Sorting – Used PET bottles are gathered and sorted by color and quality.
- Washing & Processing – Materials are cleaned and shredded into flakes.
- Pelletizing – The flakes are melted, filtered, and extruded into uniform pellets.
- Remolding – The pellets are blow-molded or injection-molded into new bottle forms.
- Testing & Quality Assurance – Each batch undergoes clarity, mechanical, and food-contact testing to ensure consistent performance.
This process not only closes the recycling loop but also showcases how advanced material science can give waste a second life without compromise.
Industries That Benefit from PCR PET Bottles
Food & Beverage
Water, juice, and carbonated beverage brands are increasingly adopting PCR PET for lightweight, high-clarity, and sustainable packaging.
Personal Care
Shampoos, lotions, and cleaning products benefit from PCR PET’s resistance to chemicals and impact.
Pharmaceutical & Nutraceutical
PCR bottles meet strict hygiene standards for medicine, vitamins, and supplements.
Industrial Applications
Durable enough for lubricants and cleaning agents, PCR PET provides safe, recyclable containment across heavy-duty uses.
By choosing PCR PET bottles, brands align with modern consumer values and sustainability goals — without sacrificing quality or supply chain efficiency.
Sustainability and the Circular Future of PET
At PHC, sustainability is not a feature — it’s our foundation. Through our Sustainability First Program, we help companies integrate recycled polyester solutions into their operations, enabling measurable environmental benefits.
Our partnerships with converters and packaging manufacturers drive innovation in:
- Mono-material design for easier recyclability
- Energy-efficient converting and coating systems
- Post-Consumer Recycled film structures for packaging and labeling applications
PHC’s goal is to make PCR PET bottles and films the new global standard for responsible packaging — merging precision engineering with environmental accountability.
Partner With Pilcher Hamilton Corporation
For converters, packaging brands, and industrial manufacturers ready to embrace sustainability, Pilcher Hamilton Corporation offers a complete ecosystem of solutions. From PCR PET bottles to eco-friendly films, coated laminates, and barrier PET structures, we provide precision materials backed by a century of experience and nationwide reach.
Our facility in Greer, South Carolina, delivers on speed, service, and quality — ensuring every partnership reflects PHC’s heritage of reliability and innovation.Discover the power of sustainable polyester. Visit our All Products or Contact Page to start your journey toward a greener future with PHC.