Melbourne-based material science company Great Wrap has teamed up with Opal Packaging Plus, a division of cardboard packaging and recycling company Opal ANZ, to distribute its new Certified Compostable Machine Pallet Wrap.
The B-Corp certified Great Wrap aims to produce 5000 tonnes of the newly launched compostable pallet wrap in 2024 for sale through Opal, which has the exclusive distribution rights in the ANZ region.
The pallet wrap, certified compostable by the Australasian Bioplastics Association, is manufactured locally with compostable biopolymers and plant-based oils. It has been developed to secure pallet loads while minimising supply chain waste by diverting traditional plastic pallet wrap from landfills.
Julia Kay, who co-founded Great Wrap with partner Jordy Kay, said, “Globally, people have been trying to recycle plastic packaging for 50 years, but only nine per cent of our recycled materials go through the recycling system, showing us the infrastructure isn’t perfect, and emphasising the need to diversify and explore more end-of-life options, such as commercial composting, so we aren’t reliant on one waste stream.”
[Julia is a finalist in the 2024 Women in Packaging Awards. You can hear more about Great Wrap from Julia in our recent PKN podcast interview.]
Jordy Kay added, “Our machine pallet wrap stands out because it’s fully compostable, capable of a 250 per cent pre-stretch, operates smoothly on high-speed lines, and maintains high tension for ultimate reliability. Our wrap is denser and stronger than traditional wrap, meaning our customers can reduce their wrap thickness to achieve the same results as they would with traditional wrap.”
Great Wrap will add to Opal Packaging Plus’ more than 15,000 product range and is the first compostable stretch wrap it offers.
Chris Daly, executive general manager Packaging at Opal, says, “Through our commitment to our vision, ‘Opal shapes the future through sustainable packaging’, we have the advantage of being able to offer our customers integrated and innovative products. We’re excited to include Great Wrap’s Certified Compostable Machine Pallet Wrap within Opal Packaging Plus’ extensive range of products.”
While currently targeting the Australian business landscape, Great Wrap is also working to build a biorefinery that will produce a marine-degradable material called PHA, to continue to transform the packaging landscape. Later this year, Great Wrap is also planning to supply its Compostable Hand Pallet Wrap for exclusive distribution through Opal Packaging Plus.
