Every year, over 400 million tons of plastic are produced globally. Much of these products end up in landfills and waterways. It is estimated that there are nearly 300 million tons of plastic on the ocean’s surface, and upwards of 50 trillion microplastics circulating the global ocean.
Rightfully so, there are concerns from conscientious citizens and environmentalists around the world calling for change. Some areas have levied higher taxes and outright bans on certain plastic products.
You, as a business owner, can do your part, by purchasing plastic products that are non-toxic, recyclable, and more environmentally friendly than alternatives, and using them responsibly.
Here are the features that make wholesale poly bags among the best choices in the industry.
Production Costs
First, polyethylene, the polymer from which wholesale poly bags are made, is extremely cost-efficient to produce and minimally taxing in terms of resource consumption.
Typically, the price of a ton of polyethylene fluctuates between 800 and 1200 dollars. At such a price, the unit costs of plastic products such as bags and shrink wrap are quite low.
Polyethylene is also made only from carbon and hydrogen, both easily accessible, affordable elements which are abundant on earth. Some have even suggested that the “sustainable fabric of the future” could be made from PE fibers.
Recyclability
Another thing to look for in plastic products is recyclability. The more times a plastic good can be recycled, the lesser is the chance at each disposal point that it will end up in a landfill or in the ocean.
The good news about polyethylene, as a polymer, is that it’s about as recyclable as they come.
While it is true that typically only 100% virgin PE is used for direct food contact and packaging, some new studies suggest that PE can be recycled and used for water bottles upwards of ten times.
In general, though, PE can be recycled many more times than that. In fact, even after it goes end-of-life for its original purpose, it can be converted into fabrics, reusable bags, and even poly lumber furniture.
Environmental Friendliness
Another thing to look for in wholesale poly bags is environmental friendliness. This is, however, a relative term, as ideally, you would want no plastics to end up in waterways or landfills.
But it is inevitable, so what you want is a plastic compound that is minimally damaging when released into the environment.
Polyethylene is a top contender for the role of “environmentally tenable” plastic because it is only made of carbon and hydrogen and does not decay into toxic compounds as it breaks down.
Contrast this with PVC, which releases toxic chlorides as it decays. In fact, under controlled circumstances, PE can be thermally recycled into only hydrogen and water.
Safety
As stated, polyethylene is not only non-toxic, in fact, it does not even decay into toxic components as it breaks down.
This means that, when produced, handled, and vetted accordingly, PE is miraculously safe to use as a packaging material. PE is widely used in the production of drinking water bottles, and certain grades are even USDA and FDA-approved for direct food contact.
Wholesale Poly Bags and More at Great Prices
Looking for wholesale poly bags and other plastic packaging products at fair prices? Consult Edco Source, the Easy Way to Buy Bags.
Not only do they carry a wide assortment of wholesale plastic bags (including clear flat poly bags, gusseted poly bags, reclosable poly bags, and anti-static poly bags) as well as packaging film, palletizing products, poly tubing, wholesale mattress bags, trash bags and can liners, and a wide range of specialty packaging products.
Visit their website via the link above for more information on PE – or just to find a new venue to supply your business with recyclable, non-toxic, affordable quality bags at wholesale prices.
