Packaging expert addresses issue of pallet safety falling foul of ‘Plastics Tax’
PACKAGING technologists at a sector-leading operation have introduced a new range designed to increase recycled content and avoid further expense.
From April next year a tax will be levied on virgin plastic use, at a charge of £200 for every tonne.
Lindum Packaging, based in Stallingborough, have brought a pallet wrap with 30 per cent recycled content to market in advance of the ‘Plastic Tax’ legislation coming into force.
The company is already behind optimisation technology for the logistics sector.
Rick Sellars, business development manager and inhouse packaging technologist at the firm, said: “The Plastics Tax is getting ever closer and these new products will help our customers remove or limit the liabilities of the tax within their packaging operations.
“Unlike 100 per cent virgin polymer films, the new range contains polythene resin material that has been recycled and then re-granulated.
“They meet the stringent On-Pack Recycling Label definition of ‘recycled’ and are compatible with a circular economy model.
“We expect to see a huge surge in demand for recycled content wrap so we are advising customers to take the necessary steps to switch to recycled content or minimise use of pallet wrap to reduce their liability.
“This new range will not be suitable for all our customers and we are working across the supply chain to find ways in which businesses can reduce the amount of virgin wrap they use. We recently launched a specially designed Mobile Pallet Stability Test Lab. By analysing the way each customer uses plastic stretch wrap the lab can significantly reduce over-packaging, improve performance and reduce liability for the new tax.”
The new range incorporates nanotechnology, allowing a more environmentally friendly product to be produced with the added benefits of nano stretch film.
It includes a stretch film option for pallet wrapping by hand, as well as packaging tape for machine and manual carton sealing, as well as pallet hood covers.