Why Plastic Bags Shouldn't Be Banned
If you were to examine the manufacturing process behind these bags, you would find that there is a much smaller carbon footprint in the production of plastic bags than there is in the production of paper bags. What about reusable bags? These totes are typically made of a more dense plastic material that is more durable. It’s true that in the past, we as a society did not properly recycle, especially when it came to plastic materials. Now that we are more environmentally-conscious, we are better using technology to break down plastics, so they can now be used in other products. In fact, if recycled appropriately in compactors, plastic bags can be broken down and then utilized in decking or playground equipment, among other items.[1]
What is Plastic Extrusion?
Composite windows, vinyl fencing, and freezer gaskets are all examples of the wide variety of products that are produced using the high-volume plastic extrusion manufacturing process. Plastic extrusion is continuous and capable of high volume output, making it a more economical plastics manufacturing method than other processes. In addition, tooling costs are relatively low.
Benefits of Plastic Extrusion
Plastic extrusion is continuous and capable of high volume output, making it a more economical plastics manufacturing method than other processes. In addition, tooling costs are relatively low.
Plastic extrusion works particularly well for production of plastic parts that have consistent wall thicknesses, and for profiles that are wider and longer than those produced by other types of manufacturing. Plastic films, bags, piping, tubing, rods, weather stripping, and deck railing are just a few of the many products that are successfully and economically produced by plastic extrusion.
According to a recent Reason Foundation study, banning plastic bags won’t necessarily help save the environment. In fact, banning a widespread use of plastic bags will then increase the use of water in bag production and increase oil and other non-renewable energy resources, while not greatly decreasing the amount of waste.[2]
The more we look into the ban of plastic bags, the more we see that how plastic bags don’t hold all of the negative environmental characteristics as once thought. In fact, in the long run, who’s to say that plastic bags aren’t more sustainable than other options out there?
[1] http://kjzz.org/content/27840/paper-or-plastic-%E2%80%94-bags-recycle-differently
[2] http://reason.org/studies/show/california-plastic-bag-ban
Custom Plastic Extrusion Capabilities
Preferred Plastics is an industry-leading custom plastics extruder offering turnkey extrusion and finishing services. Over the past 40 years, we have earned a global reputation for extruding high quality plastic parts to the most exacting specifications. Our innovative extruding processes are supported by superior customer service and a commitment to producing parts that meet the highest quality standards and are delivered on time and on budget. Contact us today!
We offer:
- Profile extrusions – custom shapes and sizes to meet the requirements for a wide range of industries and applications
- Tube extrusions – custom tube profiles for a wide range of industrial and consumer applications
- Co-extrusions – using two or more resins to manufacture parts that meet exacting performance requirements
- Crosshead extrusions – providing reinforcement for the part or encapsulation of metal pieces within the extrusion