Roberts Mart, who supplies printed flexible packaging to clients across the UK and Europe in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector, has supplied leading manufacturer of pillows, duvets and mattress protectors, John Cotton Group Ltd, with a range of bags that help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The supplied bio-based materials are I’m greenTM, Braskem’s brand for its green polythene derived from sugarcane. Sugarcane after being refined, produces a co-product that is converted into ethanol, which is then used to produce the green polythene. By using a material that captures carbon – sugarcane absorbs carbon from the air as it grows – any bags produced have significantly lower carbon footprint.
The resins used to produce these polythene-based bags replace fossil fuel-based materials but are still recyclable in the same streams. Both performance-wise and visually, the packaging offers the same high standards.
“We have been producing these sustainable bags for John Cotton for over six months and they are now being used to package their products on sale across the UK,” explains Roberts Mart Marketing Director Ben Roberts.
“By providing our customers with more sustainable solutions, they are able to meet their own environmental targets but also appeal to retailers who are keen to reduce their carbon footprint.”
Steven Duncan, Purchasing Director and Group Sustainability Lead at John Cotton: “Sustainability is important here at John Cotton’s and it is our partnership with Roberts Mart that has led to this recent successful development in our packaging. We are constantly seeking new ways to play our part in making the world that bit greener.”
Sustainability has moved to the top of the agenda for the packaging industry, and a continued focus on these issues adds impetus to Roberts Mart strategic goals on tackling environmental issues for its customers. An active member of CEFLEX, Roberts Mart supports goals for a circular economy.