With this continued growth, projections show the stretch wrap market will reach approximately 9 million tonnes by 2030.
Whilst stretch wrap plays a crucial role in protecting and securing goods during transport and storage, its widespread use raises significant environmental concerns.
As traditional stretch wrap degrades at end of life, it breaks down into microplastics that contaminate soil, water and air. Persistent for hundreds of years, these microplastics pose long-term and ecological risks and health hazards to both wildlife and humans.
In this blog post, we explore the hidden environmental dangers of stretch wrap in greater light, as well as introduce a truly sustainable alternative.
The environmental impact of conventional stretch wrap
Microplastic pollution
Conventional stretch wrap, typically made from petroleum-based plastics like polyethylene, poses a significant threat to our environment. As these materials break down, they form microplastics which make their way into our ecosystems in several ways:
- Soil contamination: Microplastics can accumulate in soil, affecting its structure and potentially harming plant growth. There are also concerns of microplastics being taken up by plant roots, potentially entering the food chain.
- Water pollution: Once entering waterways, marine life often mistake them for food, leading to malnutrition and other health issues.
- Air pollution: Microplastics can become airborne, contributing to air pollution and potentially being inhaled by humans and animals.
Toxin release
Beyond microplastics, conventional stretch wrap can also release harmful chemicals as it degrades. These toxins include:
- Phthalates: Used to increase flexibility, these chemicals can disrupt hormonal systems in wildlife and humans. Exposure to phthalates has been linked to developmental issues, reduced fertility, and certain types of cancer. They are particularly concerning because they can leach out of plastics over time, contaminating food, water, and the environment.
- Bisphenol A (BPA): Known for its potential to interfere with reproductive systems. BPA is an endocrine disruptor that can mimic estrogen in the body, potentially leading to hormonal imbalances. It has been associated with various health issues, including cardiovascular problems, diabetes, and developmental disorders in children.
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Contributing to air pollution and various health effects, VOCs are released as gases from certain solids or liquids and include a variety of chemicals that can cause short- and long-term adverse health effects. They can contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone and smog, increasing respiratory problems and environmental degradation.
