Macfarlane will switch its stretch wrap to a 30% recycled film. Credit: © Macfarlane Group UK.

UK-based protective packaging materials distributor Macfarlane has replaced its existing blown hand-applied stretch wrap with film made from 30% recycled material.

The change will apply to the company’s Heavy, Super Heavy and Extra Heavy blown film stock lines.

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By adding recycled content, Macfarlane will reduce the amount of virgin material used in the manufacturing process.

Macfarlane marketing manager Laurel Granville said: “We are committed to helping our customers reduce their impact on the environment. With this in mind, we are constantly reviewing our products and services to reduce material waste and improve recyclability.

“The addition of a 30% recycled content stretch film to our portfolio widens our sustainable product range. We estimate that this change will remove a further 250 tonnes of virgin material from the supply chain.

“Customers now have a wider choice of packaging solutions to ensure compliance with the UK plastic tax next year.”

The move is in line with a proposed plastic tax, which is due to come into effect in the UK next April.

The law will require plastic packaging to contain a minimum of 30% recycled content. A tax of £200 per tonne will be imposed on products that do not comply with the law.

In July, Macfarlane replaced its stock of small, medium and large bubble wrap lines with Sealed Air AirCap bubble wrap containing 50% recycled material content.

The move allowed the company to remove more than 100t of virgin plastic material from the supply chain.

Earlier this month, Macfarlane’s wholly owned subsidiary Macfarlane Group UK acquired 100% of GWP Group for a maximum cash consideration of £15.1m. In 2019, the company acquired packaging distributors Leyland Packaging and Ecopac UK.