On the use of paper to facilitate recyclability of suspension packaging

Abstract Background of this research is suspension packaging: fragile goods are attached to a panel of cardboard by wrapping it in stretch film. The panel is then appropriately folded, and the whole thing is placed in a cardboard box of corresponding dimensions. The primary objective of this study is to identify paper types that might be used in future as a more sustainable alternative for stretch wrap film. The experimental methods that are utilized are basically variants of mechanical pulling tests on paper samples. Sample preparation and sample size are adopted from international standards, but displacement control is adopted to detect relevant stretchability properties. Some kraft papers show a high ultimate tensile stress and a moderate stretchability, mainly permanent stretch as expected. Although the ultimate tensile stress of paper from recycled fibers is lower, some of these paper grades show a considerable higher stretchability including a higher elastic stretch. It is concluded that both kraft paper and paper grades from recycled fibers may be applicable as a wrapping material for suspension packaging. Further experimental research is needed to identify appropriate wrapping parameters for each paper type.