Industry News


Protega sets the benchmark for sustainable product protection


A


combination of concern for the environment and the dramatic increase in e-commerce business, due to the coronavirus


pandemic, has inspired the launch of a unique paper-based packing system by Protega Global Ltd. The innovative and compact Hexcel


Dispenser Bench has been developed and manufactured in the UK by Protega to complement its paper alternative to plastic bubble wrap. This means that as well as being dispensed using stand-alone equipment Hexcel can now be integrated into a customer’s packing station. This puts Hexcel right at the operator’s fingertips which in turn means faster wrapping and lower footfall. The integrated Hexcel bench was launched in response to e-commerce businesses demand for a sustainable alternative that’s as good as plastic bubble wrap and an efficient method of packing fragile goods to meet the significant increase in online demand for their products. Requiring no power supply, this


pioneering space-saving dispenser can be designed to fit a customer’s specific requirements and deployed anywhere in the packing room or warehouse. It separates, wraps and tears off Hexcel paper wrap through the simple roller system, while roll change is easy: just lift the bench top and slide on a refill. Premium retailers are among those


leading a significant uptake of the system, which is ideal for items such as tableware, glassware, health and beauty products and bottles and jars. The accessibility of the dispenser bench is proving very popular with customers, says Protega director, Richard Steedman. He explained: “We founded Protega


after observing that there wasn’t much investment out there in paper packaging or voidfill solutions. The storm over plastics in the ocean propelled the business forward and drove the need for a sustainable alternative to plastic that offered better protection. We also wanted to introduce more accessible equipment that could be integrated into packaging areas.” Virtually maintenance-free, all the


parts for the Hexcel dispenser bench manufactured at its Salisbury plant are sourced within the UK and the paper is partly recycled, as well as 100% recyclable minimising the product’s carbon footprint.


A combination of the Hexcel equipment and stackable material on a packing bench can save time and improve production compared to operators having to access large rolls of bubble wrap stored elsewhere on the floor. It’s also very flexible for different applications because it can spiral wrap wider products and additionally adhesive tape is not required. Protega’s Hexcel dispenser bench has been such a hit with trial customers that the company is already planning another new product launch later this year. In addition to the new dispenser bench, Protega offers a paper cushion, which provides protection against shock damage to goods in transit. This is the perfect complement to Hexcel paper which provides the surface protection. The company also supplies paper tapes and paper mailing bags as well as their own manufactured ‘Dynasafe’ retention system - a quick, tidy solution for goods like electrical products and cosmetics. More information please visit www. protega-global.com.


New ‘Charter of Trust’ founded to reinforce standards for paper straws


UK-based sustainable packaging company, Transcend Packaging, alongside other straw producers and companies from across the paper straw supply chain, have founded a new charter of trust for compliance standards relating to all aspects of paper straw production. Already with 14 signatories from


across the paper straw supply chain including straw manufacturers and suppliers of adhesives, paper, machinery and inks, the group has formed in response to the rapidly rising number of paper straws being


used across Europe, and the need for the marketplace to have a simple way to procure straws that are in full compliance with all applicable UK and EU standards. All businesses signed up to the


charter of trust for paper drinking straws will have to meet all regulatory standards set in Europe by the EU and national governments. This is applicable for all components of the paper straw, from paper to adhesives and inks. The hope is to create an identifiable segment of the paper straw market where all players


in the supply chain have pledged full compliance with applicable regulations. As the paper straw has grown in


prominence, it is clear that small and middle-sized businesses do not always have the capacity to make informed decisions about the quality of the paper drinking straws they are buying. Similarly, national authorities often lack the resources to check the compliance of imports and of products already circulating in the market. This is what led to the creation of the Charter of Trust, which


will be reinforced with the launch of a registered trust mark for compliant products and brands later this year. Transcend Packaging is an


industry leader in paper straw production and has already won several major contracts with high street brands, supplying eco- friendly paper straws to the likes of McDonald’s and KFC. Transcend recently unveiled the first on-pack bendable straw in the UK for juice brand Ribena, and recently opened its second plant as it expands into Europe, which is based in Italy.


Green Packaging International ● Summer 2021 7


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