The rapid increase in sustainable packaging regulations
Sustainable packaging regulations have tended to focus primarily on plastic packaging. According to McKinsey & Company, around 83% of the legal measures relating to sustainable packaging worldwide focus on plastics. The European Union and Asia having the highest number of regulations. A target for plastic packaging to contain at least 30% recycled content by 2030 is one of the European Union’s most high-profile directives.
From April 2022 a new tax on plastic packaging will be introduced in the United Kingdom. The aim of this tax is to increase the use of recycled material in the production of plastic packaging, and to encourage businesses to work with suppliers of products whose packaging includes recycled material. The tax will apply to plastic packaging manufactured in the UK and plastic packaging imported into the UK. This includes importers of packaging which already contain goods as well.
This increase of recycled material in plastic packaging could lead to surfaces that are more difficult to bond. To make sure our customers can easily switch to this new form of packaging, we have developed Pressen™ 2515. This pressure sensitive adhesive provides instant lasting adhesion to recycled plastic film peel and seal mailers and offers a secure bond at both cold and ambient temperatures.
The change from plastic wrapping to paper wrapping
The new tax on plastic packaging will also have an impact on the way direct mail is being distributed. The paper wrapping market has been rapidly growing since 2020. This is mainly down to the increasing importance of environmental sustainability in all aspects of our daily lives. Paper wrapping has become a great way to reduce the plastic usage from poly wrapping to a more environmentally friendly option. Advantages of paper wrapping include:
- More environmentally friendly option compared to plastic wrap and 100% recyclable
- More durable and can handle the stresses of the mailing system with ease
- All areas of the wrap can be printed on
Many mail houses are now moving from poly wrapped mail to more sustainable paper wrapping. To be able to securely transport direct mail, the companies are in need of adhesives that provide a secure and reliable bond. Especially for side seams and sealing. Our BAM™ 2211 hot melt provides efficient gluing on automated paper wrapping machines; allows for fast sealing and a strong bond and is 50% bio-based, making it the ideal pressure sensitive adhesive for paper wrapping.
To find out more about our range of pressure sensitive adhesives, and why customers around the world use them for e-commerce and direct mail bonding applications, contact us by sending an email to marketing@beardowadams.com.