When it comes to effective palletising, stretch film and hood wrapping are today's norm, with film having the key advantage of being able to contain loads regardless of surface structure or dimension. Now, however, as we enter the era of sustainable packaging and film's hegemony is being challenged by old adhesive technology.

Twenty-one years on from its launch, Nando's has hatched a trendy new chick – a premium convenience store called Nando’s Peri Deli. Everything about the Peri Deli concept shouts hip and happening, including its green packaging credentials.

'Without the logo, waste plastic is just rubbish.' The apt words of Woolworth's 'green' warrior, Tom McLaughlin and the retailer's foods technical manager for environmental sustainability who, with several other concerned entities, is driving a crusade for big and bold polymer ID logos on all plastic packaging.

Woolworths has committed itself to sustainable packaging – and where the acme retailer goes, others are bound to follow. An interview with the man driving this policy, Tom McLaughlin, Woolworths' foods technical manager for environmental sustainability.