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

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