Duo Packaging launches graphene-enhanced PE film, QVC adopts it in UK
Manchester flexible packaging converter Duo Packaging has launched 2DPE, a graphene-enhanced polyethylene film developed with the University of Manchester's Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre, which allows 45-60% recycled content and raises material strength by up to 35%. Retailer QVC has replaced standard bagging film with 2DPE at its Liverpool fulfilment centre, cutting bag weight by 5% and saving an estimated 50 tonnes of virgin plastic and about USD 28,270 (GBP 21,150) a year in UK extended producer responsibility (EPR) fees.
Why this mattersA graphene additive that lets converters raise recycled content without losing film strength offers a material route to cut both EPR fees and plastic use under tightening UK rules.
- Duo Packaging developed 2DPE with the University of Manchester's Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre (GEIC)
- 2DPE raises material strength by up to 35% while maintaining tensile and tear performance
- The film allows 45-60% recycled content
- QVC uses 2DPE in place of standard automatic bagging film at its Liverpool fulfilment centre
- QVC's switch cuts bag weight by 5%, saving an estimated 50 tonnes of virgin plastic a year
- QVC expects to save about USD 28,270 (GBP 21,150) a year in UK EPR fees