The growth of LEED certification in commercial construction has created new questions about temporary enclosure materials, specifically whether polyethylene shrink wrap is compatible with sustainability goals and how project teams should account for it in waste management planning.
Material Content and Certifications
Industrial shrink wrap used by StormWrappers is manufactured from virgin polyethylene resin without added plasticizers, heavy metal stabilizers, or halogenated flame retardants in standard grades. FR-rated grades use phosphorus-based flame retardants, not chlorinated compounds. Material safety data sheets are available on request for LEED documentation submittals.
Waste Management and Recycling
Post-project shrink wrap is not typically recyclable through municipal programs, but industrial film recycling through specialized processors is available in most major metro markets. StormWrappers coordinates material removal and facilitates diversion from landfill disposal where recycling programs are available.
Carbon Offset Considerations
The carbon cost of a shrink wrap temporary enclosure is substantially lower than that of a rigid hoarding system requiring lumber, fasteners, and disposal. For LEED projects evaluating temporary protection options, this comparison is relevant to Materials and Resources credits.
