Paper as an alternative for collation shrink film

Collation shrink film is often used for bundling single packages of consumer goods. Like other plastic films, this type of film is currently under social pressure. Paper could be an environmentally friendly alternative if a suitable type of paper can be applied in such a way that the requirements for manipulation and transport of the bundles are met. In this study, the use of paper for bundling bottles is experimentally investigated. The study focuses on bundles of six PET bottles of 1.5 L containing flat water and sparkling water. Suitability of a paper-based bundling method is evaluated in terms of rigidity of the bundle and in terms of resistance to horizontal inertial forces that inevitably occur during transport. Behaviour of collation shrink film-based bundles is taken as a minimum performance level. The study shows that various paper-based bundling methods can technically qualify as a replacement for collation shrink film and even offer additional benefits. A particular promising concept consists of a band of paper that is stretched around the bottles. It allows lifting the bottles by grasping two caps only, and it beats shrink film regarding resistance to varying horizontal inertia forces. Further research is necessary to optimise the concept and to adopt it for a wider range of products and for industrial use.