When it comes to the niche market of pallet wrap, those with recyclable content are certainly getting more than their fair share of attention. And as distributors of various packaging types, in the past few years specifically, we’ve noted how a distinct rise in popularity for eco-friendly options start to gain real momentum.
However, as that momentum grows, it’s starting to influence decision makers to the point where they’re not even asking – is switching to recyclable pallet wrap the right move for my business?
In the article below, we explore the nuts and bolts of recyclable wrap, weighing the pros with the cons and providing you with practical tips for making a smooth transition…
Introduction
If you’re a warehouse manager, or even part of a procurement team, you’ll know that stretch film (or pallet wrap) is a staple in securing goods for transport. Every day, businesses use thousands of metres of stretch film to ensure pallets stay stable and protected. Yet, traditional wraps often end up in landfill, raising concerns about sustainability and waste management.
In response, more companies are developing recyclable stretch films that promise to reduce plastic waste without compromising on performance.
In this article, we’ll look at how recyclable pallet wrap compares to standard plastic film, and whether the benefits—both financial and environmental—justify making the switch. we’ll also share some real-world advice on maintaining load stability, so you can avoid unwanted surprises once your goods are on the move.
Understanding Pallet Wrap: Traditional vs. Recyclable
Traditional Pallet Wrap
For years, warehouses have relied on traditional stretch film made from linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE). It’s cost-effective, widely available, and proven to be robust enough to stabilise loads in a variety of conditions. However, many standard wraps aren’t easy to recycle through conventional waste streams. In fact, if your wrap is soiled, labelled, or mixed with other types of plastic, it often heads straight to landfill.
Recyclable Pallet Wrap
Recyclable pallet wrap isn’t just about what happens when you throw it away—it’s about using recycled materials right from the start. This is exactly the principle behind our Shield range of recycled-content films, including Shield Nano E. By blending at least 30% post-industrial recycled material into our premium wraps, we’re helping businesses align with the UK’s Plastic Packaging Tax requirements—while still offering top-tier load stability and performance.
How It Works
To create these next-generation films, we use a combination of post-industrial waste (like factory offcuts) and other recycled materials. Our Shield Nano E film is a prime example: it’s engineered to be thinner and lighter than many standard options, yet it maintains the reliable strength and puncture resistance you expect from a high-quality wrap. This ensures your pallets stay secure during transport and storage, without increasing plastic consumption.
Why It Matters
Choosing a recycled-content wrap like Shield Nano E lets you:
Reduce reliance on virgin plastics and keep waste out of landfill
Boost your sustainability credentials and corporate social responsibility
Comply with the UK Plastic Packaging Tax, which adds £200 per tonne for packaging lacking at least 30% recycled content
By meeting or exceeding the 30% recycled threshold, you’ll avoid extra costs and demonstrate your leadership in eco-conscious packaging. Most importantly, thanks to our R&D team’s technology, you won’t have to compromise on performance or load stability
Why Load Stability is Crucial
Before we dive deeper into the benefits of recyclable wrap, let’s talk about load stability. After all, the main reason you use pallet wrap is to keep your goods secure.
Preventing Damage: If your film can’t hold the load tightly, you risk boxes shifting or even toppling in transit, leading to damaged goods.
Ensuring Safety: Pallets that shift can be hazardous to warehouse staff, forklift drivers, and delivery personnel.
Maintaining Efficiency: A collapsed pallet means extra labour, possible product losses, and shipping delays—none of which do your bottom line any favours.
Load stability is heavily influenced by the type of wrap you choose, the tension or stretch settings, and the technique used in wrapping. Properly applied, a recyclable film can get pretty close to the security of a more traditional wrap, if it’s engineered to the right specifications.
Pros and Cons of Making the Switch
Environmental Considerations
Switching to pallet wrap with recycled content is a straightforward way to reduce your environmental footprint. Many companies have corporate social responsibility (CSR) targets that include cutting down on single use plastics and opting for a film that can be partly reprocessed rather than purely landfilled can help meet those goals. At the same time, regulatory pressure is mounting in many industries, and eco-friendly measures often resonate strongly with clients and partners who value green initiatives.
Cost Implications
Let’s be honest: cost is often the first question on a procurement manager’s mind. Recyclable wrap can sometimes be a touch more expensive upfront, though this gap has shrunk as more producers enter the market. However, consider the bigger picture:
Waste Disposal Savings: If your recyclable film can be collected for reprocessing, you might pay less in general waste disposal fees.
Potential Rebates: Some recycling firms will pay a modest rebate for clean, recyclable film—especially if you can provide it in bales.
Long-Term ROI: When viewed alongside potential savings from reduced waste levies and improved brand image, the investment can balance out.
Performance and Efficiency
A major concern is whether recyclable films match the tensile strength and load-holding capabilities of traditional films. Modern recyclable films are often designed to handle comparable stretch ratios, puncture resistance, and cling. You may need to adjust your stretch wrapping machine’s settings or train staff on slightly different wrap techniques, but in many cases, you’ll find the performance is on par.
Disposal and Recycling Infrastructure
While recyclable film has the potential for a second life, that only happens if you can actually recycle it. Make sure you have access to facilities or partnerships that accept the type of film you plan to buy. Otherwise, even your new recyclable wrap might end up in landfill, negating the benefits.
Overcoming Common Challenges
Switching to recyclable pallet wrap isn’t always plug-and-play. Here are a few hurdles we’ve witnessed over the years and how you can handle them more effectively:
Machine Compatibility
Some recyclable wraps may require adjusting your pre-stretch level or tension settings.
Work closely with your film supplier to identify the right parameters and train your operators to avoid snapping or under-stretching the film.
Staff Training
Warehouse staff are often pressed for time, and a quick, sloppy wrap can lead to load instability.
Brief your team on the importance of correct wrapping techniques. A few extra minutes now can prevent major issues later.
Storage and Baling
If you want to recycle effectively, you’ll need a system for collecting, compacting (where possible), and storing used film.
Ensure it’s kept free from contamination—excess dirt, moisture, or mixing with other plastics can all reduce recyclability.
Quality Assurance
Before you go all-in, it’s wise to run a pilot programme. Pick a couple of product lines to wrap with the recyclable film and measure outcomes like damage rates, wrap consumption, and ease of recycling.
Conclusion
Switching to recyclable pallet wrap offers a host of potential benefits, from cutting down on landfill waste to meeting CSR targets and enhancing your brand’s eco-credentials. Thanks to advances in material technology, modern recyclable wraps can be just as effective at stabilising loads as traditional films, often without hefty extra costs. However, success depends on the right infrastructure for recycling, proper machine settings, and a bit of staff training to get everyone on the same page.
If you’re unsure, running a pilot programme is the perfect starting point. This allows you to test real-world performance, gather data, and make an informed choice before committing.
And don’t forget to lean on your suppliers for guidance on the nuances of each product. After all, a well-executed switch to recyclable wrap can make your operation more sustainable, cost-effective, and forward-thinking—an all-round win for your business and the environment.
Next Steps
Speak to Your Supplier: Ask about recyclable film options that suit your budget and machine setup.
Plan a Pilot Test: Test a small percentage of your shipments to confirm performance and gather feedback.
- Evaluate Your Recycling Facilities: Make sure you have a reliable means of collecting and processing used wrap.
Monitor and Adapt: Keep a close eye on damage rates, staff usage, and overall costs to fine-tune your approach.
Switching to recyclable pallet wrap might feel like a big step, but with proper planning and collaboration, it could be one of the smartest moves you make this year—for both your business and the planet.
Call 01524 734040 
Email sales@castleindustrial.com 
We're here Monday to Friday 7am - 5pm