There are many advantages of plastic grocery bags. While there is a perception that they are environmentally unfriendly, this is not necessarily true, see last week’s blog. Plastic grocery bags have advantages for retailers and consumers!

Consumers
Many consumers are finding plastic bags are a better option than paper bags. The numbers tell the story, Americans use 100 billion plastic shopping bags annually, and 10 billion paper shopping bags each year.

While there is an increase in the use of reusable cloth bags, plastic shopping bags have two big advantages:

• Plastic bags are more durable than paper bags. They are less prone to tearing, easier to carry, and are far more useful in bad weather.
• Plastic bags are reusable, as trashcan liners, as storage bags, or for picking up after the dog.  Plastic bags last longer than plastic bags and can be repurposed, unlike paper bags.

Retailers
Retailers have always preferred plastic shopping bags. For retailers, the main advantages of plastic bags are that they are cost-effective, easy to use, and easy to store.

Plastic bags are available in bulk for less than one cent. Paper bags are typically 5 cents or more per bag. Reusable cloth bags can cost a few dollars each. Obviously, plastic bags have a better effect on business profit margins.

Not to mention, plastic bags are faster and easier to open and pack. For busy clerks, this can help with efficiency. Plastic bags take up less space to store and weight far less, so they are easier for employees to stock.

For more information on plastic grocery bags, contact Atlantic Poly.

Greenliving