Born from the frustrations of a truck driver wasting kilos of plastic each day, Bearhug Pallet Wraps (Sydney, Australia) was founded in 2023 with a mission to replace 2.8 million tonnes of annual global pallet wrap waste (100,000 tonnes in Australia alone).
With a desire to see change, Founder Tom Field partnered with university friend, now business partner and Co-Founder Max Higgins to tackle the problem head-on with a reusable wrap that saves 350 kilos of plastic over its useful life.
“Bearhug’s reusable pallet wraps are designed to last 1000 uses rather than one and are 10 times cheaper than plastic pallet wrap,” according to the company. “With strength testing showing them to be more secure than plastic wrap, reducing breakage incidents, businesses can ensure their products hit the shelves in the best possible condition. Additionally, a reusable wrap can replace one tonne of CO₂ emissions over its life and be applied in less time with less effort than traditional plastic pallet wrap.
“Since launch, Bearhug has saved businesses a total of 15 tonnes of soft plastic, and has since expanded internationally, taking on the American Market earlier this year.” A European launch is now set for late 2025 as the EU’s new PPWR regulation is mandating the switch to reusable pallet wrapping by 2030.
The now global brand currently has multiple offerings that function across a range of pallet load types, from uniform or obscurely-stacked cartons through kegs, dangerous goods and electronics that require waterproofing.
Made from durable PVC and polyester, Bearhug has designed its reusable pallet wraps to handle diverse load requirements and reduce not only plastic waste, but also plastic expense.
“Bridging the barrier of return logistics, Bearhug has built the “world’s first” ‘pooling model’ for reusable pallet wraps where, just like with CHEP or Loscam pallets, they can be exchanged or transferred between businesses on a rental scheme,” the company said. “This hire model makes Bearhug reusable pallet wraps viable for every step of a supply chain.”
Bearhug’s newly developed fully-automated reusable pallet wrapping machine is earmarked for its first active trial in November and is on track to wrap pallets in “one third the time of any plastic wrap alternative.”
“We’ve already launched in three markets and brought on over 140 customers, but that’s only the start,” says Tom Field, Bearhug Founder. “There are millions of businesses who need a new way of doing things, because the current practice doesn’t make sense: using layers of cling film to secure one tonne loads only to be thrown out after one use.”
“95% of packaged goods will be on a pallet wrapped in plastic at some point, and Bearhug is well on the way to reducing this globally. With the EU setting a full ban on single-use stretch wrap for 2030, more businesses are choosing to get ahead on moving away from an outdated practice.”
