When you go shopping at a supermarket to purchase your groceries or kid’s birthday present, do you get a bag for the packaging of your items? Yes, you do! And it is likely that every time it would be a plastic bag. So, what are plastic bags made of?
Well, there are several types of plastic bags available today, and they are made from different types of materials. Most of them are made of polyethylene, which is derived from crude oil and natural gas. Some are made from degradable polyethylene film, while some are made from plant materials.
Nevertheless, regardless of the type or material they are made of, the convenience of plastic bags has made their use common in virtually every aspect of life. And why wouldn’t it be? They are a lightweight, cheap, strong, functional, and hygienic way to transport products. They have become so popular that it’s hard to believe they have only been around for a generation!
But, plastic bags are also perceived to be unfriendly for the environment. We will be discussing more of this in a later chapter. However, it must be said that it is easy to overlook the advantages due to this perception.
While they may have certain ecological drawbacks, especially if used irresponsibly, plastic bags offer numerous advantages for consumers, retailers and even the environment.
