Net-Zero 2030 Targets: Forecast for Low-Carbon Film Adoption
- Lee James
- Jul 17, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 11
The UK has a legally binding target to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, with major interim cuts required by 2030. The UK’s own Nationally Determined Contribution commits to at least a 68% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to 1990 levels, while the EU’s 2030 Climate Target Plan sets a 55% reduction target across member states.
With thousands of tonnes of plastic wrap, sheeting, and netting consumed each year, demand for Net-Zero 2030 low-carbon film adoption in site protection is set to grow rapidly. This article explores how net-zero targets will influence wrap specifications, and what contractors can do to prepare.
Why Net-Zero 2030 Matters for Construction
The 2030 climate targets for the UK and EU require deep cuts in greenhouse gas emissions (around 55–68% below 1990 levels depending on jurisdiction).
Embodied carbon scrutiny: Every material, from steel to shrink wrap, is now assessed for its carbon footprint.
Tender compliance: Public-sector projects increasingly require environmental product declarations (EPDs) and low-carbon alternatives.
Circular economy alignment: Reuse and recyclability are no longer optional - they are becoming mandatory in many frameworks.
While site protection materials may seem minor compared with steel or concrete, their cumulative carbon impact is significant and relatively easy to reduce through better choices.
The Problem with Traditional Protection Materials
products such as PVC-coated sheeting, debris netting, or woven modular covers face growing challenges under a net-zero framework:
High embodied carbon: PVC-coated or composite textiles are energy-intensive to manufacture.
Short lifespans in practice: In modular construction, covers often fail after just two or three journeys.
End-of-life issues: Woven composites and contaminated netting are difficult to recycle and frequently end up in landfill.
As more clients request embodied-carbon reporting and waste data, these materials become harder to justify in both specs and tender answers.
The Rise of Low-Carbon Shrink Wrap
This is where sustainable shrink wrap for site protection aligns with net-zero goals. Products such as EcoShrink are designed for durability and recyclability, lowering waste and reducing embodied carbon across their lifecycle.
Key advantages include:
Recyclability: LDPE shrink wrap can often be baled and sent into film-recycling streams where facilities accept it, especially when it’s kept reasonably clean and segregated from mixed waste.
Durability in service: A single application can protect a structure for months, reducing replacement frequency.
Efficiency: Shrink wrap is lightweight, transport-efficient, and easier to audit in carbon reportingand easier to audit in carbon reporting because usage and recovery can be measured in m² and tonnes quite easily.
Future innovation: Net-zero pressure is driving development of recycled-content and recycled-content and bio-based or additive-enhanced films, which we expect to become increasingly common by 2030, especially on public and framework projects.
This includes additive-based solutions and recycled-content films such as EcoShrink’s emerging BioShrink® range (see our BioShrink page for up-to-date test and certification status once live).
Net-Zero 2030 Low-Carbon Film Adoption in Construction
Looking ahead, the market for low-carbon film will evolve rapidly:
2025–2027: We expect more public tenders to start requiring minimum recycled content or demonstrable recyclability for protection films. Contractors using recyclable shrink wrap and documented recovery routes will gain an edge.
2028–2030: As circular-economy expectations tighten, it’s likely that non-recyclable woven covers will be used less on fully compliant projects, especially where clients have clear plastic-reduction policies. Manufacturers will scale up recycled-content, bio-based and closed-loop options.
Post-2030: Shrink wrap with certified recycled content and clear end-of-life data is likely to become the default on major frameworks, aligning with client carbon audits and sustainable procurement frameworks.
These are trend forecasts, not hard policy dates, but the direction of travel is clear: films with a credible low-carbon and recyclability story will be favoured over generic, hard-to-recycle covers.
Practical Steps for Contractors
Site managers and specifiers can start preparing now:
Audit usage: Measure how much protection film your projects consume and track disposal routes (landfill, EfW, recycling, take-back).
Switch early: Adopt recyclable products like EcoShrink to reduce carbon impact today, and start building a track record of recovery rates you can point to in tenders.
Engage suppliers: Request recycled-content options and ask about take-back schemes, filmrecovery partners and any available carbon data.
Document savings: Record recycling rates and carbon reductions to support future tender bids and framework re-appointments.
For more detail on recyclability, GPP and film recovery, see our Sustainability & Innovation and Cost, Risk & Compliance hubs.
Conclusion
Net-zero 2030 is not a distant target — it’s shaping procurement decisions now. Temporary protection systems, once a minor line item, are increasingly under scrutiny for their environmental impact.explore how EcoShrink can support your net-zero commitments, balancing site performance with sustainability goals.
👉 To stay competitive and prepare for upcoming procurement requirements, offers contractors a clear, practical way to support net-zero commitments on temporary works at ecoshrink.co.uk.
