The long-term effects of plastic bags on the environment have been a point of contention. There is some difficulty involved in recycling plastic bags. Furthermore, there are other arguments against using plastic bags.
They are the most convenient and cost-effective packaging option for retailers and shoppers alike. Plastic grocery bags have much use beyond retailing and parceling, and are therefore widely used around the world. Around 500 billion plastic bags are used annually, with the vast majority being used for retail purchases.
Therefore, despite plastic bags’ potential for environmental damage, their benefits cannot be ignored. Consumers who aren’t socially conscious enough to properly dispose of their trash represent a greater threat.
Table of Contents
Benefits of using plastic bags for both customers and retailers
Less expensive than traditional materials
Plastic packaging typically costs between 0 and 25 cents, while paper packaging can cost up to 5 cents. You’ll have to part with a few bucks if you want to purchase a cotton bag that can be used more than once. The conclusion is that investing in plastic bags in bulk will benefit your company’s bottom line.
Faster unpacking and opening
It is quicker to open, pack, and double up in plastic grocery bags. This aids cashiers in keeping lines moving efficiently. At the register and in storage, plastic bags take up far less space than paper shopping bags. You’ll need a lot more room and a lot more weight to transport reusable cloth bags as opposed to plastic ones.
The practicality of plastic bags
Paper bags are less convenient in comparison to plastic bags when it comes to folding, packing, and opening. Those seconds may not seem like much, but they can help keep lines moving for cashiers who are constantly busy. Comparatively, plastic bags weigh just about a tenth as much as paper bags and take up far less space in warehouses and checkout lanes. Reusable bags take up the most room since, despite their varying weights, they’re all heavier than plastic or paper bags.
A Preferred Choice Among Customers
Despite the quick movement in preference away from plastic shopping bags due to environmental concerns and the rise of reusable cloth bags, plastic shopping bags retain three significant advantages:
Paper grocery bags tear more easily than their plastic counterparts. They’re much more functional and less likely to tear in wet conditions. They’re also lighter, making them more convenient to transport.
Many people have gotten into the habit of reusing plastic bags for things like garbage liners and general storage.
Less Energy Consumed
Plastic bags are more energy efficient to create than alternatives, and they generate less waste. Plastic bags save up to 40% more energy during production and produce 70% less waste during disposal than paper bags.
Durable and Weatherproof
They are not easily torn and are resistant to many chemicals and liquids. Plastic bags are superior to paper bags with handles when it comes to protecting their contents from the elements.
Excellent Promotional Tool
Advertising on plastic shopping bags is a smart move. Shopping bags printed with a company’s logo and other information can be a great method of advertising.
Briefly Summarizing
Biodegradable bags are clearly preferable to traditional plastic bags from an environmental standpoint. Grocery stores, supermarkets, restaurants, and even our homes can choose from a wide variety of waste bags and compostable plastic retail shopping bags. Biodegradable plastic grocery bags are made from components that have been verified as compostable and biodegradable.
