(847) 717-3300Sustainability is more important now than ever before. It’s no secret that the packaging industry creates waste, but not all packaging is the same. As sustainable packaging becomes more of a focus industry- wide, our goal at Millennium Packaging is to help your company do more with less. We work hard to ensure that we are doing all we can to ensure that you are meeting your sustainability goals with our sustainable stretch film.
Why Sustainability Matters
Stretch films are essential for shipping. They keep items safe and in place so that your products remain secure and arrive at their destination unscathed. It’s no secret to anyone working within the packaging industry that there can be a lot of waste created if the company is not cautious. That is why Millennium Packaging has been working hard to find new and innovative ways to minimize waste, but also make sure our partners can keep their products in top condition through the shipping and handling process.
Conventional vs Sustainable Plastic Products
Though all stretch films serve the same purpose not all of them are created equal. Unlike the products offered at Millennium Packaging, conventional plastic stretch wrap materials are made of materials that cannot be recycled and therefore must go to sit at landfills around the world. This plastic material does not break down or degrade very easily, therefore it can take years and years to start to break down once it is in those landfills, unlike compostable films.
Also, it is no secret that not all plastic materials end up in landfills. Much of it ends up in the natural habitats of animals all around us, especially in the oceans and other bodies of water. Plastic waste can clog holes, contaminate drinking water, and even be swallowed or entrap marine wildlife. This is why we must do all we can to minimize plastic waste in the world.
Many of our products at Millennium Packaging are biodegradable or recyclable. They are also biodegradable by attracting 600 microbes that accelerate the biodegradation process. Our eco-friendly products allow microbes to turn product into biomass. Thus, minimizing the time it takes to break down plastic waste in landfills and around the world.
Ways to Increase Sustainability
In addition to the composition of the stretch film itself, there are other ways to increase sustainability. One of the most effective ways to decrease waste is to choose a stretch wrap that can stretch further without breaking and maintain its integrity through the packaging process. This allows you to package more materials with less stretch wrap, creating less waste while saving on your overall shipping cost.
Thicker film is not always the best option when it comes to tear and puncture resistance. Some think that thicker film means that your sharp or irregular products will be safer, however, that isn’t always true. Sometimes thicker films are not as flexible or able to stretch as easily, leading to increased tears, which increases waste. You can work with a thinner film that canis able to maintain its integrity if you choose the correct type.
The use of a machine to apply your stretch wrap is another way to save on the amount of stretch wrap that is consumed. Machines can stretch the film further than human hands are able, often by 250% or more. Machine stretch film is also able to apply the film to the load in a uniform manner, leading to better load containment and a safer and more secure pallet for your products.
Types of Sustainable Products Available at Millenium Packaging
Our Valgroup stretch film is the most sustainable technology out there. The two most impactful products are: 
Bio-V
Bio-V stretch film is the first truly biodegradable and recyclable stretch film on the market. The science behind Bio-V stretch film lies in the multi-layered films made of Linear Low-Density Polyethylene resin. These layers are what makes Bio-V degrade fast and efficiently.
What most do not realize is that many biodegradable plastics cannot break down anywhere. Usually, they require lots of sunlight to break down. This is a major concern as most stretch films end up in landfills. Furthermore, many so-called biodegradable plastics can release harmful gases and microparticles into the environment.
Bio-V stretch film is the opposite. It adapts to nature, attracting over 600 microbes to consume the plastic, with no need for sunlight. This allows Bio-V to quickly breakdown, releasing harmless compounds that will not disturb the flow of nature without affecting the stretch film’s performance ability.
PCR Stretch Film
Valgroup’s PCR stretch film is made from 25% post-consumer recycled content. This film allows you to directly participate in a circular plastic economy while still protecting your shipments with top- quality stretch wrap.
Valgroup’s recycle plants use pyrolysis, a method of turning plastic into oil by way of heat. This oil is made into polymers that create all kinds of packaging materials. What makes pyrolysis even more sustainable is that it produces enough oil for Valgroup to run their recycling plant, making production almost carbon- neutral.
The recycled nature of Valgroup’s PCR stretch film also makes it very cost-effective, especially if your company participates in Valgroup’s recycling initiatives. Valgroup offers the opportunity for you to send in your sorted film bales to – in return – receive new recycled films.
Knowledgeable Technicians Available to Support You
Contact us today to discuss your needs and find the most sustainable products for your company. Our certified technicians are standing by to answer all your questions and guide you to the most effective and efficient way to protect your products.
