This is a question which is currently posing a topical dilemma for many in the packaging industry and beyond and there is, at present, no one simple answer.

Considering all of the known facts Brayford Plastics strongly feels that the preferred way forward is to recycle. We feel it important that the production of all polythene and polypropylene materials sold to end users or sold on and ultimately used by the public should, wherever practicable, be recycled back into the same industry to help to prolong the life of our raw materials.

This is of particular relevance to Brayford with our sister company, B&J Parr, being a long established reclaim and recycling company. As a consequence we actively promote re-cycling to encourage the re-use of plastic packaging in general. All of our base polythene, CPP and OPP products are re-cyclable (with the exception of metalised films) and, within our own organisation, we ensure that all waste is re-cycled and re-used by our sister company.

To further promote the re-use of our products Brayford Plastics also manufactures a range of resealable products. Our Braygrip, Brayslide and Brayseal bags all facilitate multiple use by the end user thus, again, prolonging their life over conventional single use packs . 

We do however recognize that there are occasions where the use of degradable products is the only practical alternative. To this end Brayford offers oxo-biodegradable polythene and cast polypropylene. 

These materials are manufactured using an additive designed to react with heat, stress and light which accelerates the degradability and, over a period which can be pre determined, breaks down the packaging into H2O, Co2 and very small traces of biomass.

If you have any questions on either re-cycling or degradable materials please do not hesitate to contact Richard Allam who will do everything possible to help you to select the most appropriate course for your needs.