Nexans switches to sustainable film wrap made from recycled plastic

• Nexans is estimated to save 10,000 kg of CO2 equivalent annually in the Benelux by using these sustainable packaging materials
• The transition from 0% PCR to 30% PCR in this shrink film is equivalent to planting approximately 400 trees.

Buizingen, March 27, 2024 - Nexans, a global leader in cable solutions, has announced that it has begun packaging its products in the Benelux with sustainable film made from recycled plastics. This decision stems from a comprehensive comparison conducted by the R&D department of Circular Plastics Alliance, analyzing two types of Nexans shrink film using the CO2 footprint tool of Circular Plastics, developed in collaboration with CE Delft - The Netherlands.

The analysis revealed that the transition from 100% new plastic to a blend of 70% new plastic and 30% PCR (Post-Consumer Recycled) plastic brings about a significant reduction in CO2 emissions. According to the results of the Cradle-to-Consumer approach, this shift would result in a savings of approximately 0.4 kg CO2-equivalent per kg of film. The Cradle-to-Consumer approach considers the entire life cycle of a product, from production to consumption by the end-user.

With an estimated annual volume of around 25,000 kg of film, this means that Nexans is expected to save approximately 10,000 kg of CO2-equivalent per year by using these sustainable packaging materials.

Several studies have shown that annual CO2 offset per tree ranges between 22 and 32 kg CO2-equivalent. An interesting fact is that the transition from 0% PCR to 30% PCR in this shrink film is equivalent to planting approximately 400 trees, highlighting the significant environmental benefits of this change.

Ensuring quality was a key consideration in choosing the more sustainable film. That's why the current amount of PCR material was selected. A higher percentage of PCR could potentially compromise the shrinkage behavior and optical properties of the film. With the new blend, compliance with the (preliminary) PPWR standard is achieved, a comprehensive package of European legislation aimed at reducing packaging waste and promoting the circular economy.

With an estimated annual volume of around 25,000 kg of film, this means that Nexans is expected to save approximately 10,000 kg of CO2-equivalent per year by using these sustainable packaging materials.

Several studies have shown that annual CO2 compensation per tree ranges between 22 and 32 kg of CO2-equivalent. An interesting fact is that the transition from 0% PCR to 30% PCR in this shrink film is equivalent to planting approximately 400 trees, highlighting the significant environmental benefits of this change.