Fall is here, and in Maine, we’re beginning to see boats being covered with shrink wrap to protect them for the winter months. This year, however, there’s a subtle change happening near our waterfronts—one that may easily go unnoticed at first glance. The shrink wrap itself is changing.
Traditionally, shrink wrap is installed on boats to shield them from harsh weather conditions during the off-season. Unfortunately, when this wrap is removed in the spring, its recyclability is limited for a variety of reasons, often leading to hundreds of thousands of pounds ending up in landfills.
This fall, you might notice a shift in the color of the shrink wrap on boats—from the usual white to a pale, light green. This change is more than aesthetic. The light green shrink wrap is likely a “biowrap,” a biodegradable alternative that reportedly breaks down and decomposes within two to five years in landfills.
What makes biowrap special is its composition: it attracts landfill microorganisms that consume the material, completely breaking it down without leaving any microplastics behind. In essence, the shrink wrap becomes a “microbe meal,” minimizing environmental impact.
If you find yourself near Spring Point or Port Harbor Marine this fall, keep an eye out for the growing “field” of pale green shrink wrap. It’s a visible sign of increasing environmental responsibility among boat owners and marine businesses.
Kudos to everyone making the switch to biowrap—small changes like these contribute to a healthier planet!
https://www.sunjournal.com/2025/10/21/maines-subtle-but-significant-change-in-boat-winterization-letter/
