UK-based flexible packaging manufacturer Skymark has developed reduced weight packaging for supermarket giant Tesco’s range of baby wipes.
For Tesco’s own label Ultra Soft baby wipes, the firm has developed a new PE film to make the laminate structure of the pack, lighter and thinner compared to previous designs.
Skymark commercial technical director Paul Glover said: “This small but significant change to baby wipes packaging represents a 20% material reduction resulting in the removal of 57 tons of plastic.”
Skymark said it has down gauged the PE film used in the laminate structure from 50um to 35um, thus reducing the packaging weight by 20%, before the application of the lid.
Paul added: “Our innovation team worked closely with the leading retailer’s packaging team and their chosen wet wipe supplier to design a pack which meets the needs of both the consumer and the retail supply chain.
“Our goal was to create a pack which was more sustainable and lighter weight, without sacrificing the aesthetics and performance of the pack in production.”
Skymark noted that the thinner film requires fewer raw materials, thus reduces packaging waste.
Additionally, the thinner film reduces the number of roll changes during pack production, the firm noted.
Skymark operates two manufacturing facilities in the UK which provide servicing to a variety of sectors including hygiene & medical, lamination films, bags, technical films and general printed and plain PE products.