Cable Management Manufacturer Supports PPWR Readiness with 60% Recycled Auto Bags

Cable Management Manufacturer Supports PPWR Readiness with 60% Recycled Auto Bags

A leading manufacturer of cable management products has strengthened its approach to sustainable packaging by switching to pre-printed auto bags containing 60% recycled material, supplied by Severn Packaging.

The bags communicate their recycled content directly on the film, helping the company provide clearer packaging information while reducing its reliance on virgin plastic and supporting its preparations for the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).

The Customer

The customer is a leading manufacturer of cable management products supplied to industrial, commercial and infrastructure markets. The company has not been named in this case study at its request.

The Challenge

The manufacturer wanted to improve the environmental performance and presentation of the bags used across its packing operation. It required a solution that would increase recycled content and communicate this clearly without compromising the strength, sealing performance or consistency needed for automatic bagging.

The project focused on:

• Reducing the use of virgin plastic.
• Introducing a high level of recycled content.
• Clearly communicating the recycled content of each bag.
• Supporting the company’s PPWR preparations.
• Maintaining reliable automatic bagging performance.
• Avoiding additional labels or manual packing stages.

The Severn Packaging Solution

Severn Packaging supplied pre-opened auto bags manufactured with 60% recycled content and specified around the customer’s existing packing requirements.

A recycled-content logo and supporting message are pre-printed directly onto the film. This creates a clear and consistent presentation across every pack without requiring operators to apply a separate label.

60% Recycled Content

Using 60% recycled material substantially reduces the proportion of virgin polymer required for each bag while retaining the performance needed for an automated industrial application.

Environmental Messaging Printed Directly on the Bag

Printing the recycled-content message during manufacture ensures that the information is applied consistently and remains clearly visible. It also avoids an additional label, backing paper and manual application stage.

Designed for Automatic Bagging

Increasing recycled content must not come at the expense of machine performance. Film consistency, perforation quality, seal strength and print registration remain critical to reliable automated processing.

The bags combine the required environmental characteristics with dependable feeding, opening and sealing on the customer’s equipment.

Right-Sized Packaging

Severn Packaging can manufacture bags around the dimensions and weight of the product, helping customers avoid unnecessary material and excess empty space while maintaining the required protection.

Supporting PPWR Preparations

PPWR introduces requirements covering packaging recyclability, recycled plastic content, labelling and the reduction of unnecessary packaging, with different measures applying in stages.

No single packaging change confirms overall compliance. However, increasing recycled content, controlling material use and preparing clear on-pack information are practical steps within a wider PPWR review.

Severn Packaging can support these objectives through:

• Auto bags containing up to 60% recycled material, subject to specification.
• Custom bag sizes matched to the product and application.
• Controlled film thickness to avoid unnecessary material use.
• Recycled-content messaging printed directly onto the packaging.
• Custom printing for product, sorting and environmental information.
• Consistent specifications for reliable automated processing.
• Stock-holding arrangements supporting continuity and specification control.

The Results

Reduced Reliance on Virgin Plastic

The move to 60% recycled content has reduced the proportion of virgin material used in the customer’s bags while maintaining the required packing performance.

Clearer Packaging Communication

The printed recycled-content logo makes the material specification visible on every pack and supports clearer communication with customers and other stakeholders.

No Additional Packing Stage

Because the message is printed directly on the bag, operators do not need to apply a separate sustainability label. The change supports the customer’s environmental objectives without adding complexity.

Reliable Automated Performance

The bags continue to provide the consistency, perforation quality and sealing performance required for dependable automatic bagging.

Key Project Benefits

• Pre-opened auto bags containing 60% recycled material.
• Reduced use of virgin plastic.
• Recycled-content logo printed directly onto every bag.
• Clear and consistent environmental messaging.
• No separate sustainability label required.
• Reliable automatic bagging compatibility.
• Support for the customer’s PPWR preparations.
• No additional manual packing stage.

Severn Packaging Comment

“PPWR is encouraging businesses to look much more closely at the materials they use and the information displayed on their packaging. By moving to auto bags made with 60% recycled content and printing the recycled-content message directly onto the film, we helped the customer reduce its use of virgin plastic while maintaining a reliable and efficient packing process. It is a practical change that supports their wider PPWR preparations without adding complexity to the operation.”

Lee Williams
Sales Director, Severn Packaging

Auto Bags Designed for Changing Packaging Requirements

Severn Packaging supplies stock and custom auto bags with options including recycled-content film, custom sizes, white or clear constructions and application-specific printing.

By combining packaging materials with automatic bagging knowledge, Severn Packaging helps customers improve environmental performance while protecting productivity, presentation and sealing reliability.