With consumers calling for more sustainable packaging options, companies are implementing eco-friendly solutions to cut supply chain emissions. To that end, Smurfit Westrock has rolled out a paper-based alternative to polyethylene stretch wrap, which is commonly used to stabilize pallet loads during transport.
This paper-based alternative to plastic is made from fully recyclable Nertop stretch kraft paper. It’s capable of absorbing high energy, performs well in humid conditions, and has already been implemented by a manufacturer in the UK.
With the global stretch wrap market valued at $4.27 billion in 2023, according to Fortune Business Insights, this sustainable option could shift manufacturers away from plastics in favor of an eco-friendly alternative.
Sustainable solution for the glass industry
Encirc, a glass supplier in the UK, was the first company to test out this paper alternative. The company manufactures more than three billion containers annually and has a strong emphasis on sustainability.
“Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do at Encirc, and it is heartening that 85% of our beverage customers say that our sustainability credentials made them choose Encirc,” Peter Ball, head of planning at Encirc, said in a statement. “We recognize how important supply chain solutions are to all our business partners. To this end, Encirc has been working with Smurfit Westrock to replace single-use plastic with a paper alternative, which is a first for the UK glass-making and bottle-filling industry.”
Business implications
The global stretch wrap market is projected to grow to $6.71 billion by 2032, according to Fortune Business Insights, exhibiting a growth rate of 6.68% over the seven-year timeframe. Asia Pacific holds the largest market share, with 36.53% in 2023. In the United States, stretch wrap is projected to grow to a $1.7 billion industry, driven by the increasing demand for shipping and logistics.
This paper-based alternative to plastic has the potential to sustainably change the packaging industry. The product is fully recyclable and lowers supply chain emissions, which are both beneficial to manufacturers. If companies decided to transition away from plastic, in favor of this eco-friendly option, the global stretch wrap market could be impacted.
“Like Smurfit Westrock, Encirc is committed to the circular economy and immediately recognized the significant CO2-reducing potential of the paper wrap. If they switched entirely to the paper wrap, it would lead to an extremely significant reduction of emissions. Traditional stretch wrap is the go-to for many companies but our paper-based alternative does as good a job and – vitally – is much easier to recycle at the end of use,” said Jemma Jones, national account manager at Smurfit Westrock, in a statement.
Manufacturers should be informed about sustainable options, like paper pallet wrap, because it could lead to supply chain implications, potential cost savings, and regulatory standards.
Sustainability in packaging
The packaging industry is no stranger to sustainability, as it has been driven by several innovations such as paper-based products, and flexible packaging, both of which have been key drivers in advancing eco-friendly practices. Machine builders need to be keyed in on this topic because they may need to retrofit existing machinery, acquire machinery designed for sustainable products, or create alternative solutions to meet market demand, all while supporting eco-friendly materials.
