UK Greetings is releasing a paper tear strip for roll wrap products in an effort to phase out plastic shrink wrap in gift wrap applications.
Reportedly, the solution is 100% recyclable and plastic-free. It seeks to integrate seamlessly into existing roll wrap designs and serve as a more environmentally friendly solution, all while remaining easy for consumers to use.
“Our new paper tear strip represents a significant step forward in sustainable gift wrap solutions,” said Ceri Stirland, CEO of UK Greetings. “By eliminating plastic from this component, we’re furthering our mission to reduce environmental impact without compromising product functionality.”
The strip is claimed to be the first of its kind on the UK market. UK Greetings says that it has made a ‘substantial investment’ to acquire ‘cutting-edge’, state-of-the-art machinery for the effective production and application of paper tear strips at scale.
“This investment in new technology underscores our dedication to sustainability,” added Richard Wilkinson, operations director at UK Greetings. “It allows us to pioneer eco-friendly solutions while maintaining the high quality our customers expect. We are very proud.”
The new paper tear strip technology is set to be implemented across UK Greetings’ conversion facilities, with the company intending to apply it to all its domestically produced roll wrap. The strip joins UK Greetings’ wrapping papers, plastic-free packaging, and other products in its sustainability-minded packaging portfolio.
Retailers will have access to roll wrap featuring the paper tear strip from January 2025; it will also be applied to all Christmas 2025 designs.
In other news, a Plastic Free Packaging Design Guide from Google – geared towards the consumer electronics sector – recommended a tear strip reinforcer made of translucent paper for label faces. The company states that this solution would enhance strength with minimal added thickness, but it underlines the importance of proving that the papers are free of plastic and regenerated cellulose by producing Technical Data Sheets and Material Safety Data Sheets.
An aluminium strip has also been implemented into John West’s ambient tuna packaging in a collaboration with Schubert Packaging Systems, CCL Label, and Touch Design. Designed to be recycled alongside the can, it claims to avoid 65 tons of plastic shrink wrap every year.
If you liked this story, you might also enjoy:
How are the top brands progressing on packaging sustainability?
Sustainable Innovation Report 2024: Current trends and future priorities
Reuse vs. single use – which is better for the environment?
The ultimate guide to global plastic sustainability regulation
No comments yet