Manchester-based manufacturer, Duo Packaging, says it has developed a ‘never seen before’ graphene-enhanced flexible packaging film.
Developed in partnership with the University of Manchester’s Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre (GEIC), 2DPETM, could allow for the use of recycled content in flexible packaging products to be increased, while reducing material consumption.
Duo Packaging says the material can retain tensile strength and tear properties, while enhancing processing and energy efficiency during the manufacturing process.
Industrial trials with GEIC and live shopping retailer QVC have found that Duo’s new graphene-enhanced polythene automation film boosted material strength by up to 35% and increased the levels of recycled content used in their packaging from 45% to 60%.
QVC has now switched from standard autobagging film to 2DPETM at its UK fulfilment centre in Liverpool, a move, DUO says, which is expected to save approximately 50 tonnes of virgin plastic and 148,000 tonnes of carbon (tCO₂e) each year.
2DPETM is initially being used to manufacture e-commerce mailing bags and an autobagging film. This film is typically used by retailers to form, fill and seal packaging bags for a wide range of products, such as clothes, cosmetics, homewares and toys.
Zoe Brimelow, Duo Co-Owner and Brand Director, led the research partnership and development of 2DPETM.
She commented: “Retailers are facing cost pressures, tightening regulations, growing customer expectations, market volatility and supply chain challenges.”
“There was nothing on the market that could solve all of these challenges without having to make some type of trade-off. We knew graphene was the answer to solving this challenge.”
Research and development of 2DPETM was funded through the Innovation Navigator Programme (GM Business Growth Hub) – a programme launched by former Greater Manchester Mayor and now Prime Minister, Andy Burnham.
Dale Brimelow, Duo Co-Owner and Operations Director, commented: “There is growing demand for packaging that is recyclable, uses higher levels of recycled content, uses resources more efficiently and is lightweight by design.”
“Utilising graphene will transform the application of flexible packaging to meet this demand and has created an advanced material that’s fit for the circular economy.”
