Stretch wrap also called stretch film is a highly stretchable plastic film. It’s commonly made of linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE). Because of it elasticity, it keeps skidded packages tightly bound or protects wrapped items from moisture and debris. Warehouses and distribution centers are filled skids and pallets wound in stretch wrap. Once the stretch wrapped item reaches its destination, the stretch wrap is removed where it is either discarded as trash or recycled.
If stretch wrap is thrown in the garbage, it means you are paying to throw away someone else’s trash. There’s also the guilt of knowing it’s going to a landfill where the stretch wrap may take years to decompose. Stretch is wrap is easily recyclable. Once the wrap is removed it can be compacted in a baler so it can be easily stored until enough bales are ready for shipment. The bales could then be sold to a plastic recycling management company. These companies will either resell the bales or recycle the wrap into plastic pellets. The recycling management company will sell the plastic pellets to injection molders, blow molders and extruders.
Recycling stretch wrap can have hefty economic benefits, prevents it from entering landfills, saves energy and makes the world greener for future generations. Companies like the feeling of environmental responsibility especially if it doesn’t cost them anything. Flexible packaging products like stretch film should be recycled. It’s the right thing to do for business and environment.