Reducing Plastic Waste in Supply Chains with Compostable Stretch and Shrink Packaging
Single-use polyethylene film remains one of the largest contributors to unrecyclable plastic waste across manufacturing and logistics facilities. Every day, facilities generate substantial volumes of stretch and shrink film used solely for load containment and inventory staging. As disposal fees, carbon reporting, and regional plastic surcharges increase, plant managers face growing pressure to find functional, bio-based alternatives that perform on standard packaging lines. Early biobased packaging films often lacked the mechanical strength required for automated pallet wrappers, causing frequent tears and load failures in transit.
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To overcome these mechanical limitations, EcoCortec ®, the European subsidiary of Cortec ® Corporation, developed two certified compostable packaging films for heavy-duty industrial use: EcoShrink™ and EcoWrap ®. Manufactured at its facility in Croatia, these films serve as direct replacements for conventional polyethylene. They allow operations teams to maintain pallet load stability and meet environmental targets using their existing wrapping equipment and packaging workflows.
EcoShrink ™ solves the challenge of heat-shrinking both oversized equipment and smaller components without compromising on sustainability. Designed with the complete product lifecycle in mind, it is formulated with 45 % biopolymers sourced from certified commercially compostable resins. When standard heat is applied, the film shrinks evenly to form a tough, protective barrier that seals out dust, dirt, and moisture ensuring complete protection during transit and extended outdoor yard storage. EcoShrink™ is engineered for longterm shelf stability: it maintains its structural integrity indefinitely under normal storage conditions and begins breaking down only when exposed to an industrial composting environment.