Resin Trade chooses Duo UK as first UK producer of sugarcane PE bags

International polymer distribution company Resin Trade Ltd has selected polythene bag manufacturer Duo UK, to be the first UK-based manufacturer to produce mailing bags using Green PE, a thermoplastic resin made entirely from sugarcane ethanol.

Green PE has been developed by Braskem, the largest petrochemical producer in the Americas, which has recently signed a partnership with Resin Trade to distribute its goods in the UK and Ireland.

The move is the latest in a series of green investments at Duo UK and means the company can now offer its customers a product which is created from 100% renewable material, which is also 100% recyclable. The concept will appeal to many clients, as Duo’s commercial director, Anthony Brimelow explains: “We’re seeing a strong increase in demand for green products, driven partly from our clients’ own corporate social responsibility policies and partly by clients reacting to their own customer demands.

“What is particularly impressive about Green PE is its environmental credentials extend all the way down the production chain. Meanwhile, from a manufacturing point of view, we can use the same processes and machinery we use to create standard polythene products. It’s also a very versatile product, so while we see the online retail sector as a major buyer in the short term, there’s nothing to stop us exploring other applications in the future. ”

Braskem’s Green PE, made from sugarcane ethanol, is produced in southern Brazil, while sugarcane itself is a water efficient crop which also captures carbon dioxide during photosynthesis and is planted through strict ethical guidelines. Further CO2 is sequestered from the atmosphere by the ethanol used to make Braskem’s green polyethylene. As a consequence, each kilogram of green plastic produced using this method saves 2.15kg of CO2, when compared to the production of conventional oil-based polythene. This is particularly valuable for clients seeking to achieve carbon neutral status, or for those looking to be one step ahead of potential CO₂ taxes which are currently being mooted.

UK Sales Manager, Richard Lambert, of Resin Trade commented: “Green PE is a fantastic product and we’re delighted to bring it to the UK mailing bag market via Duo UK. Duo’s own commitment to the environment, coupled with their reputation for quality and impressive contacts within the retail sector make them the ideal choice for us. We look forward to building a long and successful relationship with them.”

Marco Jansen, Commercial Director Renewable Chemicals Europe and North America of Braskem added: “Internet retailing is a growing market, mailing bags are a perfect application for Green PE and UK consumers are typically highly environmentally aware, so this partnership with Duo UK is particularly exciting for us.

“Our ‘I’m GreenTM ‘ seal which we created to help consumers recognise green plastic and guarantees its renewable origin, should be particularly valuable for any brands looking to clearly communicate their environmental commitment to their customers.”

Duo UK manufactures and supplies bespoke packaging products for leading e-retail, retail, mail order and industrial brands with all aspects of the manufacturing process carried out in house. High profile clients include ASOS, John Lewis, Tesco and JD Williams.

Source

Braskem, press release, 2014-08-21.

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