Microplastics and toxins: The hidden dangers of conventional stretch wrap

With this continued growth, projections show the stretch wrap market will reach approximately 9 million tonnes by 2030.

Whilst stretch wrap plays a crucial role in protecting and securing goods during transport and storage, its widespread use raises significant environmental concerns.

As traditional stretch wrap degrades at end of life, it breaks down into microplastics that contaminate soil, water and air. Persistent for hundreds of years, these microplastics pose long-term and ecological risks and health hazards to both wildlife and humans.

In this blog post, we explore the hidden environmental dangers of stretch wrap in greater light, as well as introduce a truly sustainable alternative.

The environmental impact of conventional stretch wrap

Microplastic pollution

Conventional stretch wrap, typically made from petroleum-based plastics like polyethylene, poses a significant threat to our environment. As these materials break down, they form microplastics which make their way into our ecosystems in several ways:

• Soil contamination: Microplastics can accumulate in soil, affecting its structure and potentially harming plant growth. There are also concerns of microplastics being taken up by plant roots, potentially entering the food chain.
• Water pollution: Once entering waterways, marine life often mistake them for food, leading to malnutrition and other health issues.
• Air pollution: Microplastics can become airborne, contributing to air pollution and potentially being inhaled by humans and animals.

Toxin release

Beyond microplastics, conventional stretch wrap can also release harmful chemicals as it degrades. These toxins include:

• Phthalates: Used to increase flexibility, these chemicals can disrupt hormonal systems in wildlife and humans. Exposure to phthalates has been linked to developmental issues, reduced fertility, and certain types of cancer. They are particularly concerning because they can leach out of plastics over time, contaminating food, water, and the environment.
• Bisphenol A (BPA): Known for its potential to interfere with reproductive systems. BPA is an endocrine disruptor that can mimic estrogen in the body, potentially leading to hormonal imbalances. It has been associated with various health issues, including cardiovascular problems, diabetes, and developmental disorders in children.
• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Contributing to air pollution and various health effects, VOCs are released as gases from certain solids or liquids and include a variety of chemicals that can cause short- and long-term adverse health effects. They can contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone and smog, increasing respiratory problems and environmental degradation.

The sustainable alternative: Precisionrap DK

Precisionrap DK offers a groundbreaking solution to the environmental concerns associated with conventional stretch wrap. This innovative product combines high performance with eco-friendly characteristics, addressing the growing need for sustainable packaging options.

But how does Precisionrap DK differ from conventional stretch wraps? And what makes it a truly sustainable solution?

To answer, Precisionrap DK benefits from bio-assimilation technology. Unlike traditional plastic films, Precisionrap DK completely breaks down at end of life, leaving no harmful toxins or microplastics behind. Let’s explore this in further detail.

How Precisionrap DK Works

Precisionrap DK utilises a special additive package called Eclipse® that enables bio-assimilation of all polyolefins. This process allows the film to break down completely, returning to its original elements without leaving harmful residues.

The bio-assimilation process

• Activation: After a stable shelf life of two years, the chemical reaction begins, causing the film to break down.
• Microbial action: The degrading film attracts micro-organisms that consume the carbon in the material.
• Complete breakdown: Over time, the micro-organisms completely consume the film, leaving only small amounts of CO2, H2O, and biomass.

Key features and benefits

• Environmental safety: Precisionrap DK fully bio-assimilates, leaving no toxins or microplastics behind.
• Rapid degradation: The bio-assimilation process can take as little as 6 months in optimal conditions, or up to 2 years in less favourable environments.
• Versatility: It can be recycled without negative impact if collected before the bio-assimilation process begins.
• Performance: Offers excellent film stretch of 285%, suitable for heavy loads.
• Coreless design: Eliminates the need for hard-to-recycle cores, further reducing waste.
• Application: Unlike other hand-held stretch wraps, the Precisionrap system has been designed for a forwards application, reducing the likelihood of trips and falls resulting in injuries.

For more information on Precisionrap DK and how it could benefit your business, contact our expert team at Swiftpak today.