The world would be a very different place without plastic bags. Today they are an essential part of people’s lives throughout the world. Without them we would not be able to protect and package our foods and products in such an easy way. As the demand for fresh food increases we would not be able to keep up with these requirements if it wasn’t for plastic bags.

They are comprised of two rectangular sheets of strong plastic that have been sealed on three sides with one side left open. The majority of plastic bags are created from polyethylene or polythene resins. The thickness of the sheets used will depend upon what the end product is destined for. Usually such bags are around two hundred and fifty microns in thickness or less.

Depending upon what use they will be put to, plastic bags are available in countless shapes, sizes, strengths and varieties. Some have handles to aid carrying, others have extra width built into them, and there are those that can be sealed to protect the contents.

Today environmental concerns are at the top of many people’s minds. There are individuals that claim plastic bags are detrimental to the environment. This is not exactly correct. In their manufacturing process a lesser volume of material is used than with other packaging materials such as cartons or boxes. Also they have the added quality of being able to be burnt for energy production and can often be recycled.

When considering the effect of plastic bags on the environment it is imperative to understand that compared to paper bags, they require less energy in the manufacturing process as well as when they are transported. An important aspect is also the fact that most plastic bags have the ability to be reused many times due to their strength.

Without plastic bags our lifestyles would be very different. Today we demand fresh food throughout the year. It is plastic packaging that helps to deliver this requirement. They help to prevent the spread of unwanted bacteria and diseases. We also use them to line our garbage bins to stop unwanted smells and liquids escaping. Our bathroom items mostly come in plastic packaging – soaps, creams, and similar items are kept in the best condition by using such protective coverings. Plastic bags are also used by us to transport our weekly shopping needs from stores back to our homes.

All the household goods that are now common in almost all homes will also come in plastic packaging. Every item that we purchase to use with our computers have a form of protective covering, as do all new DVDs and CDs. These help to prevent damage from dust and water as well as protecting the goods from scratches and similar damage. It is difficult to imagine a world without plastic packaging materials.

Many industries also require plastic packaging materials. Modern health care would be very different without the cleanliness and hygiene standard that plastic packing ensures. Nobody would want to see medical instruments that are not kept clean and protected from contamination! Farming also requires such a provision to ensure that seeds and fertilizers are kept dry and safe.

Melinda Stockton has been a packaging professional for over 15 years. Find out more on polyethylene bags by visiting her company website about packaging products.