Coveris launches new stretch film that meets PPT requirements

The films are available as both hand and pre-stretch variants
The films are available as both hand and pre-stretch variants

Coveris has launched a range of lightweight, next generation stretch films that contain a minimum of 30% recycled content to reduce reliance on virgin plastics and meet forthcoming UK Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT) requirements.

The new films are available as both hand and pre-stretch variants and are said to be the thinnest recycled stretch films currently available.

Made from a blend of recycled polythene, and recovered from post-consumer waste streams and Coveris’ own circular manufacturing process, the low-gauge, high-performance films deliver the same packing and transportation efficiencies as virgin materials, as well as maintaining full recyclability.

With the Plastics Packaging Tax set to come into force this April, all plastic packaging, including tertiary packaging like stretch wrap, will require a minimum of 30% recycled content, which will otherwise be subject to taxation of £200 per tonne.

The new films, which have been developed at Coveris’ extrusion facility and Film Science Lab in Winsford, also support the company’s target of zero net waste. Utilising Coveris’ own post-industrial waste as feedstock via its recycling facility and independent reprocessing status, all waste now leaves the Winsford site as a recyclable product.

Coveris Winsford technical director Mike Richardson said: “Supporting our vision of ‘No Waste’ and wider industry sustainable goals, the new solution offsets the need for virgin plastics whilst maintaining full recyclability, as well as being fully compliant with UK Plastic Packaging Tax legislation.

“This will allow our customers to take advantage of the benefits of efficient palletised transportation using plastic tertiary packaging without compromising their sustainability and circular economy goals.”

Last month Coveris launched a new brand and service offering to support future growth plans in the FMCG retail sector at its Rivendell business.