A company which produces wristbands and counts major festivals and the O2 Arena among its customers, has developed an eco-friendly version of its popular products.

Made out of recycled plastic bottles, Tunbridge Wells-based ID&C hope the greener alternatives to standard wristbands will prove popular.

According to industry estimates, roughly 23,000 tons of waste is produced at UK music festivals each year but only a third is recycled.

Last year, 61 independent music gatherings signed a three-year pledge to get 'Drastic on Plastic', promising to rid their sites of single-use plastic by 2021.

The eco bands come with duplicate print on both sides and a bamboo barrel lock as standard (which is made from 50% less plastic than standard barrel locks).

Security remains paramount and the recycled wristbands cannot be removed once the lock is fastened to the wrist (unless cut off).

Matt Wilkey, company director and co-owner, at ID&C said: “In recent years we have seen an increase in demand from our customers to provide them with more eco-friendly alternatives to our current range of wristbands and accreditation.

“There has been a growth in event organisers pushing for greener events; last year we saw many festivals ban the use of plastic straws and disposable cups in favour of reusable ones.

“Reducing the levels of plastic used across festivals and events is an ongoing challenge for any event organiser and we want to contribute to lowering the impact where we can.”

The new range of wristbands and lanyards is made from a recycled PET (polyethylene) fabric, which has been produced from recycled plastic bottles.

Mr Wilkey adds: "For many years, we have been conscious of our environmental impact and have been continually exploring ways to become a more eco-friendly company.

“It is a tough challenge as our products have to be strong and secure, but we are always developing new ideas with the aim to provide a full range of alternative greener products.

“The recycled range has been a big hit with a number of our customers so far, and we have been taking orders since the autumn of 2018.

“By avoiding single-use plastic and using a recycled alternative, our customers are demonstrating their commitment to the green initiative.

“All our products are professionally tested to ensure that the materials used are 100% accurate to their eco-friendly make-up."