ReleaseWire Connect

Shrink wrap can be considered and potentially incorporated into more sustainable initiatives, as van help reduce energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions when compared to other packaging materials – according to a recent study. Titled 'Impact of Impact of Plastics Packaging on Life Cycle Energy Consumption & Greenhouse Gas Emissions, although it has been carried out in the UK, the research is expected to have big implications on the UK, as a country looking to embrace greener initiatives when it comes to packing. Resultant figures showed that six types of plastic packing could be more environmentally-0friendly when compared to alternatives, with one of the types being shrink wrap. It is in turn expected that more UK businesses looking to be efficient and sustainable may opt for shrink wrap packaging as it can provide a highly versatile solution, across industries.

Research at the University of Sydney over recent months involving shrinkable plastics – often in the form of shrink wrap – has drawn increased attention to the packing material, as well as its ability to be used in a variety of ways. Scientists have been using sheets of shrinkable plastics and adding Teflon to create a new superhydrophobic material: a plastic film which resists water. The result has been a gold-coloured film which water rolls away from – a highly exciting scientific development carried out using shrink wrap. It is thought that although the experimented material will not be commercially available for a while, more people may be tempted to try the properties of shrink wrap as product packaging.

A new report released by the environmental newsletter Use Less Stuff (ULS) has revealed that packaging choices are increasingly driven by customer perceptions and requirements. Especially notable in 2016 is that customers are concentrating on sustainable and ethical solutions; associating this with quality. Hence there is pressure, in order to retain popularity, for packaging to be streamlined and minimizing wastage; hence why more customers than ever are equating a low packaging weight with a higher quality product. Therefore, making their packaging as sleek and efficient as possible could be considered the way forward for businesses wanting to attract further custom.

Business analysts have been predicting a major trend in product packaging set to feature this year; personalised and patterned shrink wrap. This is following on from a number of notable businesses trying the technique in the run-up to Christmas; often to considerable positive reception. For example, Highland Spring, a popular brand of bottled water, launched festive shrink wrap which applied to many of its product packs. This proved especially popular and it is in turn expected that more businesses, particularly those involved in food in drink, will use shrink wrap as a design element, not just packaging.

In recent weeks there has been increased focus on the efficient use of packaging and cutting down waste, especially in light of the climate change talks in Paris towards the end of 2015. In 2016 sustainability is set to be a big focus particularly regarding plastic packaging – and developments are already being made within this. A new range of sortable colourants for plastic have been produced, patent pending, designed to help recover certain plastics from the waste process. This emphasizes that the sustainable use of plastics is at the forefront of attention going into 2016.

It appears that growing numbers of high-profile individuals are getting involved in promoting positive sustainable packaging, especially in the food industry. This could be seen as driven by concerns both for the environment and upholding cost-effectiveness for businesses. One of the most recent announcements is that Jeremy Paxman is set to speak at the Food PackagingAssociationEnvironment seminar, where he will be upholding his position as patron for Clean Up Britain.

There has been increasing anticipation and excitement regarding the Packaging Innovations 2016 event, which is due to take place in February and will showcase a number of businesses involved in the industry. The upcoming year is set to be more important than ever, as a number of topical events have highlighted the importance of developing packaging. Firstly, Christmas is a time of year when the public pay more attention to the way items are wrapped. Secondly, the recent climate change talks in Paris have emphasized the importance of sustainability and responsible material use.

According to a new report from the Ucima Research Department in Italy, a rise of 4.9% is expected in the global demand for packaging machinery. This means potential optimism for those involved in related industries, especially as more businesses are looking to package their own goods onsite and thus streamline their manufacturing processes.

Leading UK suppliers of shrink wrapping machines, Uwrap Ltd, have recently commented on the changes to packaging regulations, which came into effect in October 2015.

Leading UK shrink wrap machine suppliers, Uwrap, have recently commented on the UrbanCampsite project in Amsterdam, which features a range of art project homes built on an artificial island.