WFS’ green wrapping will replace the equivalent of 27m plastic bottles

Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) is to convert the majority of the protective plastic sheeting and wrap used in its cargo handling operations – equivalent to more than 27m plastic water bottles a year – to sustainable products.

The global handler has already started using M&G Packaging’s BioNatur Plastics products, part of a growing line of biodegradable plastic with proprietary formulations that make them the most sustainable plastic options available.

Investing in the new products is part of WFS’ global sustainability programme.

Mike Simpson, WFS’ executive vice president for the Americas, said: “WFS uses the equivalent of more than 27m plastic water bottles a year in protective plastic sheeting. With this commitment we can make a significant contribution to the environment.

“We are thrilled to finally have a product that ensures this plastic will not languish in a landfill for decades.” 

BioNatur Plastic is manufactured with a blend of resins including traditional low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and a proprietary, natural, plant-based biopolymer.

The resulting blends are biodegradable in a landfill environment and significantly reduce fossil fuel-based plastic usage and greenhouse gas generation.

Performance testing demonstrated the BioNatur product to have a long shelf life with higher strength and puncture-resistance than polyethylene plastic alone.

This proprietary blend also uses significantly less oil-based resin than current plastic products, using less material overall while maintaining or improving performance.

“M&G Packaging has always been a leader in developing ‘green’ products that the air cargo industry needs,” said M&G president Charles Rick.

“We’re proud to be the supplier chosen by WFS to help further its sustainability programme. It is taking the lead on this initiative to reduce the environmental impact of plastic waste.”