Mark Vernon, Commercial Director from the leading manufacturer of pallet stretch, shrink and converter films, explains: “When people think of environmentally responsible packaging, polythene probably isn’t the first material that springs to mind. However, arguably it should be.

“Polythene’s lightweight, high strength and enormous versatility actually prevents heavier or bulkier materials being used. This allows load space and vehicle movements to be used more effectively, bringing with it a reduction in associated transport emissions.

“Not content to stop there though, manufacturers like bpi.films have sought additional ways to make polythene greener than ever. In the case of our own range, an increasing number of our products are now 100% recyclable, many are downgauged and some are created from biopolymers, allowing them to be completely biodegradable or compostable.”

To illustrate just how easily organisations can use polythene packaging without compromising their commitment to sustainability, bpi.films plans to showcase some of these greener products on its stand – Stand 452. This will include its Integr8 biopolymer range which consists of both biodegradable and compostable films. These films are currently being used for applications including the production of produce bags, bubble wrap and carrier bags - all with the ability to fully decompose and so minimise the impact of packaging waste.

However, the controlled life of biopolymer products and the fact that their application needs to be suited to the shelf life and storage conditions of the packaged item means they should be used to complement, rather than replace, conventional polymer products. As such, bpi.films has made green advances in this latter area as well.

Demonstrating this, the manufacturer will also promote Wrapsmartultra at ECOPACK. Made from conventional polymers, this pallet stretch wrap offers all the performance of a 14 micron (mµ) film but from a profile that’s actually half that thickness - at just 7 mµ. The net result is that half the film by volume is required to wrap a given load and so far less packaging waste is created.

Wrapsmartultra’s green credentials are further enhanced by it being 100% recyclable and the fact that its thinner profile also means users get more film (and the ability to wrap more pallets) with every reel. Aside from providing greater value for money, this cuts down on the number of necessary deliveries and again, resultant vehicle emissions.

Another next generation product bpi.films will put under the spotlight is Zeroll. This hand roll stretch film contains no cardboard core at its centre and is instead applied using special re-usable applicators. This removal of the cardboard core offers major savings in waste and associated disposal costs. In fact, a business using a pallet of hand films per week can expect to remove up to 2 tonnes of cardboard a year from its waste stream simply by switching to this greener alternative.

Summing up, Mark Vernon adds: “At ECOPACK, we look forward to showing visitors our range of polythene films and to demonstrating how polythene can actually be part of the solution to the world’s current environmental issues - rather than part of the problem.”