Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Biodegradable Plastic Packaging Enters the Air Freight Supply Chain

Largest Global Cargo Handler Switches to Greener Option
Shipping News Feature

US – WORLDWIDE – Worldwide Flight Services (WFS), the world's largest air cargo handler, has begun the conversion process to utilise the majority of plastic products used in its cargo handling operations sourced from M&G Packaging's sustainable BioNatur™ product line.

M&G claims its BioNatur™ Plastic, manufactured with proprietary formulations, is the most sustainable plastic option available, being biodegradable. Investing in the new products fits in with the WFS global sustainability programme, and Mike Simpson, Executive Vice President for the Americas explained the decision thus:

“Worldwide Flight Services is excited to be the first major customer of these environmentally friendly products in the air cargo industry. WFS uses the equivalent of more than 27 million plastic water bottles a year in protective plastic sheeting and wrap so with this commitment we can make a significant contribution to the environment. We are thrilled to finally have a product that ensures this plastic will not languish in a landfill for decades.”

BioNatur™ Plastic is manufactured with a blend of resins including traditional LDPE and a propriety, natural, plant-based biopolymer. The resulting blends are biodegradable in a landfill environment and significantly reduce fossil fuel-based plastic usage and greenhouse gas generation. Performance testing demonstrated the BioNatur™ product to have a long shelf life with higher strength and puncture-resistance than polyethylene plastic alone.

This proprietary blend also uses significantly less oil-based resin than current plastic products, using less material overall while maintaining or improving performance. M&G president Charles Rick, said:

“M&G Packaging has always been a leader in developing ‘green’ products that the air cargo industry needs. We’re proud to be the supplier chosen by WFS to help further its sustainability programme. It is taking the lead on this initiative to reduce the environmental impact of plastic waste.”

Photo: WFS uses the equivalent of 27 million plastic bottles per annum in disposable packaging.