Also: What tech is in the CES 2023 bag of ZDNET’s Editor in Chief? Not all recycled plastics are created equal. For example, there’s excess plastic (PIR) that’s created during the manufacturing process that’s then recycled and put back into the manufacturing process, and then there’s post-consumer recycled plastics (PCR) that comes from products we’ve used and thrown away or submitted for recycling. In other words, the latter form of recycled material redirects waste that normally would have ended up in a landfill. Also: CES 2023 tech you can actually buy now There are many challenges in using PCR in a product, but one of the more challenging aspects is getting a material that looks, feels and is as resilient as the typical plastic Belkin uses. Also: OtterBox unveils OtterGrip Symmetry Series iPhone case at CES 2023 Belkin was able to source two vendors with PCR that met their requirements, and even though the material is more expensive, Belkin plans on absorbing the cost instead of passing it on to customers. The following Belkin products will be the first to ship with its new PCR material over the course of 2023, starting in Europe:
BoostCharge Magnetic Wireless Car Charger 10WBoostCharge USB-C PD 3.0 PPS Wall Charger 25WBoostCharge Dual USB-C PD Wall Charger 40WBoostCharge PRO 4-Port GaN Charger 108WBoostCharge PRO Dual USB-C® GaN Wall Charger with PPS 45WBoostCharge PRO Dual USB-C® GaN Wall Charger with PPS 65W
Belkin is currently working on integrating PCR in 20 more products and will start releasing those after the chargers have launched. You’ll be able to identify when you’re buying one of the new PCR-made products by looking at the packing for labels, either “Made with Recycled Plastic Products” or “100% Plastic Free Packaging.”
