The world’s first compostable, industrial-strength, machine-grade stretch film has been developed by Cortec Corp. With the development of Eco Wrap, the St. Paul–based company said that it has taken an important step toward making commercially compostable packaging more versatile and widely available around the world.
The material is made with a certified compostable resin plus a tackifier additive, and it can be used on most standard automated stretch-wrap equipment. Cortec claims that it represents a breakthrough for the industrial packaging and warehousing industries, which rely heavily on automated stretch wrapping to prepare pallets of goods for storage, inventory, or shipment.
Eco Wrap users can benefit from material/waste reduction in the following ways:
- Most applications requiring three wraps of standard film can use two wraps of Eco Wrap without sacrificing strength or protection.
- Eco Wrap is commercially compostable, according to ASTM D6400.
- Eco Wrap may allow its users to avoid tariffs, fines, and tip fees in areas where polyethylene is prohibited or restricted.
- Eco Wrap is shelf- and curb-stable and will retain its integrity until disposed of properly.
There are many ways to use Eco Wrap as a “greener” packaging option. It can be used anywhere a conventional stretch film is needed. Applications include but are not limited to agriculture bundling, corralling of goods for storage and shipment, pallet wrapping, luggage wrapping at airports, packaging construction materials, and transporting furniture.
Eco Wrap works on most existing automated machines and is easily applied by adjusting the tension (typically by increasing it, since Eco Wrap is extremely elastic). By opting for Eco Wrap, users can improve their environmental image while getting the packaging job done.
The new Eco Wrap formulation expands Cortec’s line of commercially compostable films and bags. It will be extruded at and distributed through Cortec’s film production bases in North America and Europe.
