Understanding the Different Type of Packaging

The packaging is as important as the product it contains. Besides protecting your products, packaging aids branding as it carries logo and details.

Here we have rounded up some common type of packaging materials.

Carton Boxes:

Counted among one of the common packaging materials, carton boxes are made of paperboard and sometimes of corrugated fiberboard. They are used for hardware, food, pharmaceuticals, and other products. These boxes are similar to cardboard but they are more durable and easy to handle than the latter.

Carton boxes are economical as they are made of recycled cardboard boxes. In simple words, packaging manufacturers assemble these boxes from the worn out boxes. These boxes are durable and can withstand pressure well. They can be a line up against each other.

Plastic Packaging:

Plastic packaging is a common type of packaging being used in almost all consumer goods and other products. From bottles, wraps, boxes to carry bag, they are available in different types. One of the key advantages of plastic packaging is that it is flexible. Besides, it takes up less space. Plastic won’t cost you much as other packaging materials do. It is manufactured in bulk, keeping the overall cost of this material low.

Metals:

Metals used in packaging are mainly tin-plated or aluminum. They are used to make food and drink cans, tubes, aerosol cans, boxes, and hinged lids. They are recyclable. The weight of metal packaging is low while its resistance is high. It can withstand physical shocks.

Bubble Bag:

Bubble bags are great for storing and transporting fragile items like glassware and electronics. They are designed to keep your items safe and secure from outside wear and tear. They are available in various sizes. Also known as Bubble Wrap, they have anti-static properties to protect electronic chips or other electronic components from a potentially damaging static charge. Apart from protecting the items from damages, most of the Bubble Wraps are made from eco-friendly materials and can be recycled.

Also Read: https://isellpackaging.com/interesting-facts-about-bubble-wrap/

Stretch Wrap:

Stretch wrap or stretch film is a highly stretchable plastic film being used to wrap around the products to keep them in place. It is mostly used in both packaging and shipping. The elastic properties keep the item tightly bound.

Chipboard Packaging:

Chipboard packaging is widely used in industries like medical, food, cosmetic, beverage and electronic. Generally, it is a type of paperboard that is made out of reclaimed paper stock. It is a cost-effective packing option and can be easily folded, cut and formed. It is available in various strength and densities. However, it can’t be used for packing heavy items, as the chipboard sheet is a lightweight material, made for the items like crackers, cereal, and tissue boxes. Besides, they may not withstand heavy moisture as they are prone to expansion and discoloration in a damp environment.

Poly Mailers:

A poly mailer is an elastic type of packaging widely used for shipping products to the customers, making them a packaging choice for e-commerce stores. Poly mailers are waterproof, lightweight, cheap and occupy less space than corrugated boxes. They are great packaging non-fragile items like apparel, fabrics and yarns, arts and prints, books, shoes, and accessories.

However, the only downside is that they are prone to ripping or tearing as they are being shipped to their destination.

So these are some common type of packaging materials. Make sure to choose the one that can go well with the nature of your product as well as the shipping environment.

Tips for Zero Plastic Waste Air Travel

If you are like most flight travelers, you use a lot of plastic stuff—from cans, meal packaging, and cups. Once you are done with them, they are transferred to the bin. That seems a normal thing. Right?

But that’s not right.

Did you know that an average passenger creates nearly half a kg of waste per flight? Now calculate how much waste 300 passengers will generate on a typical flight. And the USA has over 5,000 passenger planes in the skies on any given day.

So you must have got an idea that the waste produced on flights often lead to a huge pile. And only 20 percent is recycled out of 75 percent onboard recyclable waste.

Also Read: Interesting Facts about Bubble Wrap

Waste disposal is equally a big concern as quarantine regulations prevent airlines from the recycling of cabin waste from many international flights.

However, plastics are a necessary evil for airlines due to its lightweight that helps them save fuel.

As a passenger, you can play a big role in minimizing plastic waste on the flights. Here’s how.

1. Bring Your Own Water Bottle:

It’s a great way to deal with single-use plastic bottles that are a huge part of plastic waste. Customs lets you carry an empty water bottle through the screening. The bottle can be filled up later at bottle refilling stations available at most airports. And there is no restriction on a full bottle of water on the plane. You can ask a steward to refill the bottle on the plane.

2. Use Your Own Reusable Utensils:

Travel with a little set of reusable utensils in your backpack instead of using disposables on the flight. A reusable utensil generally includes a knife, fork, spoon, chopsticks and glass drinking straws.

3. Bring Your Own Food and Snacks Onto Plane:

The food and drinks you receive on board are generally wrapped up in a lot of plastic packaging. Top of that, they are expensive and have chemicals seeping from the plastic wrap.

Therefore, it is a wise and nice idea to carry your own snacks and food. Many airlines will let you bring your own food. Make sure to pack your food in reusable containers.

Also Read: An Insider’s Guide to Poly Mailers

4. Travel Pillow:

Airline travel pillows are made of plastic and for single use only. They are discarded after being used for sanitary reasons. They are also sealed in plastic packaging. Why not bring your travel pillow to avoid such wastage?

5. Use Reusable Containers to Keep Your Personal Care Products

Use a reusable container to carry your personal care products like shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, and lotion. Minimize your purchase of duty-free products as they are packed in a sealed plastic bag for security reasons. Some glass bottles come packed in foam nets that are also made from plastic. Therefore, buy all the products from a local store. However, make sure to learn about the custom guidelines regarding your purchase.

So these are the tips to reduce plastic waste on the flight. Your little contribution can make a big difference. Besides, educate others for the same. What do you think? Do you have other ideas to share with us? Please let us know by commenting below!

How to choose the best wholesale packaging supplies for food products?

Are you into food industry? If yes, then you might be interested in a perfect product packaging solution. As far as the U.S. food packaging market is concerned, it is expected to make somewhere around 31.7 billion U.S. dollars by 2022.

The whooping numbers clarifies the rising needs of food packaging. Today businesses demand for a solution which can,

-Complement the design of the product inside it

-Keep the product safe and secure when food item is not being used

-Explains their branding

Whether you are a start up or running an established brand, choosing cost-effective wholesale packaging supplier will always benefit your business. They ensure your supply chain is running smooth. After the supplier, the next task is to carefully pick the wholesale packaging supplies for food products. For this you need to invest in something which is reliable, cost-effective, attractive and environmentally friendly. To help you make a wise choice, here are some simple tips. Have a look:

1. Form and Function goes hand in hand: Generally, businesses pay more attention to the aesthetic impression. Of course, it is important but with this you also need to make sure that they are good to go in terms of practicality too. Will you like to have a colorful salad box which falls apart before you open it during the lunch break? Or would you prefer classy coffee cups which could burn your hands? Certainly, not! Regardless of the product you are selling, ensure that the packaging you select is practical enough to offer an overall good experience to your customers.

Also Read: Choosing the Food Packaging On the Basis of their Characteristics

2. Brand Identity Matters: The food packaging supplies serves to be a fantastic way for explaining the nature of your brand to the customer. If you have a cafe, using renewable and biodegradable coffee cups simply explain that you’re a socially-conscious. But if you wish to add a personal factor, you can try some fun printing techniques and designs too. So it is about what you want to present to your audience. It totally depends on what you are expecting in return.

3. Cost Consideration: One of the major reasons for you interest into wholesale food packaging solutions is that you want to cut down on the overall costs. Right? But you have to find the right balance between reducing costs, meanwhile keeping quality high.

Also Read: 4 types of reusable shopping bags that are eco-friendly

4. Plan For Best ROI: In the process of choosing the best wholesale packaging, it shouldn’t be always about keeping costs low. Instead you need plan in way to make sure that every dollar you invest in impressing your customer gets back to you in the form of extra sales and client loyalty. For this you need to find the right balance between aesthetics and practicality. Check for the construction of your packaging. It can be rigid or flexible, as per the customer demand. You can also add any kind of information, ranging from the size of the container to your brand logo.

If you really want to give your customers the best food experience, you must work with a packaging provider whom you can trust. At ISellPackaging you can get the best for all your packaging strategies. Want to get started with finest supplier packaging solutions, speak to us today.

Interesting Facts about Bubble Wrap

Bubble Wrap can be a stress buster. Bubble Wrap can be a wedding dress. Bubble Wrap can prevent hypothermia. Read on here some interesting facts about Bubble Wrap.

You must have noticed that your most electronic devices come with a plastic sheet teemed with tiny bubbles. Well, this sheet is a Bubble Wrap.

Bubble Wrap is a pliable plastic sheet dotted with small air pockets ranging from 6.0 to 25.4 mm in diameter.

This type of packaging is known for its lightweight and water-resistant properties.

Also known as “bubble pack”, it is an ideal packaging for fragile items as it provides excellent cushioning. Bubble mailers or bubble envelopes are used to protect DVDs, antiques, and jewelry during shipping. Bubble Wrap has anti-static properties to protect electronic chips or other electronic components from a potentially damaging static charge.

Apart from protecting the items from damages, most of the Bubble Wraps are made from eco-friendly materials and can be recycled.

Also Read: 5 amazing eco-friendly packaging tips to make a better tomorrow

Here we have rounded up some interesting facts about Bubble Wrap

1. It’s Innovation Was Accidental:

Bubble Wrap was invented by two engineers, Alfred Fielding and Marc Chavannes in 1957. It was the time when they were creating plastic wallpaper with a paper backing. And Bubble Wrap was what they did end up with. The duo established Sealed Air Corporation in 1960 and named their invention Bubble Wrap.

2. Even the Packaging has got its Own Day:

Did you know that the final Monday of January is known as Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day? On this day, a consignment of microphones was delivered to a radio station in Indiana; all microphones were wrapped in a bubble sheet. Their popping sound while unwrapping was accidentally broadcasted. This triggered a wave of wrap appreciation, which was translated into a special day being allocated to it every January.

3. Popping Bubbles Can Ease Your Stress:

Admit it. You must have sought pleasure crushing those tiny air bubbles on the wrap. Guess what it is a great way to relieve your stress. According to a 1992 study conducted by Professor Kathleen Dillon, popping the sheet can promote relaxation. It may be because we are likely to feel relaxed by sensations of touch.

4. Being a Bride Outfit:

In order to have a sustainable wedding gown, English citizen Rachael Robinson wore a Bubble Wrap dress in May 2010. According to one news report,the dress featured “a 3ft Bubble Wrap train – is made from sheets of carefully stitched Bubble Wrap, attached to an inner cloth lining, and finished off with white foam packaging material and Haribo sweets.”

5. It Can Prevent Hypothermia:

Another amazing use of a Bubble Wrap!

A team of emergency medical technicians in Norway uses Bubble Wrap to minimize hypothermia in a harsh climate. Even a 2009 study found it 69% effective in heat retention after determining the effect in mannequins. However, one shouldn’t solely rely on Bubble Wrap for complete protection as the study concludes…

“In dry and no wind conditions, three cotton blankets provide better insulation than Bubble Wrap. When rated as a sleeping bag, the Bubble Wrap performs adequately in temperatures above 18°C. In order to establish the true value of Bubble Wrap for hypothermia prevention in prehospital care, a randomized real-life experiment is required.”

6. Playboy featured it On Cover:

Bubble Wrap can be glamorous. It was proved when actress Farrah Fawcett posed wearing only Bubble Wrap in a 1997 Playboy cover, leaving nothing to the imagination.

So these are some interesting facts about Bubble Wrap. In a nutshell, it can be more than just a packaging material. What do you think? How do you use Bubble Wrap apart from the packaging? Let us know by commenting below! Keep on popping Bubble Wrap!

9 Easy Ways To Reuse Plastic Bags

Do you get free plastic bags with the groceries? It is quite common for homemakers to get 5-6 of them every time they shop. As per the reports around 5 trillion plastic bags are consumed a year. This makes to 160,000 of them in a second.

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But what do you do with them? Though there is a lot said about recycling, yet the fact is that less than 1 percent of them are recycled. Thus, most of them are thrown away directly in the trash, leading to several environmental problems in the longer run. As these are made from Polyethylene, they can take centuries to degrade.

Also Read: 7 Types of Plastics and Which One You Should Use

To add in your little efforts to save mother Earth, you can go for reusing these bags. And the good thing is that there are number of creative ways to make use of the old plastic bags at your home. Find out below some simple ideas to give a try:

Create your skipping rope: Now you can involve the little ones at home in doing this activity. It is an ideal way to re-use plastic bags and make something for the kids. With help of some plastic bags, scissors and duct tape, you can make something similar to the one here.
Roll out dough: If you need to roll out the dough, but are missing on a non-stick surface, you can simply cut a plastic bag in half and use it. Rolling your dough between two plastic bag sheets will reduce the workload.
Make a Flowerpot: Another creative way to use your leftover plastic bags is making a flowerpot out of them. For this all you need is 7-8 medium-to-large thin plastic bags. In addition, you will require a large crochet hook. Checkout this easy to try tutorial at blogspot.com!
Bathroom Bin: Those spilling tissues, empty toothpaste tubes, floss, and much more can create a lot mess all over your bath floor. Why not line your bathroom bin with spare plastic bags and when they get full, just tie up and chuck it in your bin? Sorted!
Weave a basket: Why only for kids, there is a lot you can make yourself at home using the old plastic bags. Get creative with and try making some lovely wrapped baskets. Need simple instructions on how to get it done? Visit at radmegan.com
Cover your car parts: During the cold harsh winter, it is common for you to deal with ice on mirrors and windscreen. To prevent from the everyday struggle, you can use spare plastic bags to cover the wing-mirrors and wipers. So now you don’t need to scrape ice off them every morning.
Wrap your clothes: Now you can add more years to your expensive clothes. Whether it is winter or summer, the presence of moths can cause much harm to your wardrobe. Just wrap them all up in plastic bags before storing and find them in good state when you open them.
For holiday suitcase: Do you have some plans for weekend? Or you are thinking of holiday very soon? Then the plastic bags can be very useful. While you can keep them for protecting any kind of liquid spills from products like perfumes or shampoo bottles, you can use them to restore dirty shoes or clothes from the cleaner stuff.
Package padding: Whether you are selling some items or you are planning from one place to another, plastic bags can be of great use. It helps keeping your items safe as these use plastic bags as protective padding. Hence, keeping your precious items safe on the journey turns simpler.

So there is no need to toss those excess of plastic bags in the trash bins. While some of the above stated ideas help saving money, others are assistive in preserving environment. Using these simple, eco-friendly ideas you can do something good to your planet. Try them!

2019 packaging design trends which are not to miss!

Worried for your company’s brand identity?

Whether you are making edible products or selling any other item, you need to know understand that it is the product packaging which reflects your brand identity. Do you know 67% of consumers agree that while selecting a product they are influenced by the packaging material? Not only this, around 50% of people ordering online say that branded packaging makes them recommend the same to their friends. So it is quite evident that packaging serves to be a touch point between your brand and your customers.

Also it is the design of packaging which tells a story, and communicates:

What is your product?
Who can use it?
What makes it different and better?

So if you wish to increase your brand’s value, you need to focus more on packaging. For this, you need to stay ahead of the contenders, ensuring that your products are being packed up to the expectation of your customers. Simply stating, you need to follow the latest packaging trends to make your design stand out amongst the competition. Here is what all you need to focus on:

1. Sustainability: The entire world seems to focus greatly on the impact of packaging waste. As per the Nielsen study, 66 percent of global consumers said they are willing to pay more for sustainable brands. Hence, for the designers and companies, it is more than important to think green. You can try out using green materials such as recycled aluminum which cut down on landfill waste significantly. And with passage of time, this trend is here to stay for sure.

Also Read: 5 Things to consider before designing packaging for kids products

2. Minimalism: Keep it straight forward is something which attracts customers, and inspires brands to go for minimal styles. In the current era, you need to focus more on the essence of things, precision, and clarity. Just keep every ‘non-essential’ thing away. Whether it is about the colors or the texts, keep it as simple as possible. Your aim should be creating impactful packages which can easily and immediately convey their message. It is the functionality and simplicity which will speak with the observers, making then understand what the product is all about.

3. Photography: It might not be something new; however, it will always remain there. The image on the package is meant to convey a complex visual message. A perfect photo can turn even the most uninterested person into a potential customer. But not just any picture will do the magic. Creativity and uniqueness have to be incorporated.

4. Doodles: Whether you are young or elderly, doodles are loved by everyone. It is the major reason why most of the popular brands are incorporating them into the design. If you haven’t touched the creative side yet, this is one way to revamp it. All you need to do is look for some well-thought-out doodles which can soften the hardest of hearts, putting smiles on their faces. Being a fun aspect, these make customers feel happy.

Also Read: Product Packaging Tips for Startups

5. Vintage: It is the past which speaks about the present. And this turns crucial when it comes to package designs. As vintage designs remind of the past, these help attracting consumers by reminding of them what was left behind. You can focus on some related, important aspects of history and culture. Or you can dig into some evergreen memories which make them indulge in.

With these tips on mind, you can rest assure that your products don’t get ignored on the shelves. It is right time to ditch those out -dated, unattractive packaging design, and revamp your brand appeal.

Why automation is required in the packaging industry?

Every company has their different goals in the business world. However, what they share common is that every business yearns to save money and time.

As far as packaging industry is concerned, the growth is quite impressive. As per the stats, the overall global packaging industry is worth $424 billion. And it is expected to be growing at an annual rate of 3.5%. To stay ahead of the competition, entrepreneurs have to put in sincere efforts. This means, if you belong to the packaging industry or your business involves packing, you must seek for some new and advanced techniques.

Also Read: Mind-Blowing Facts about Packaging

To make it simple, companies need to find ways to become more sustainable, greener, eliminate wastage, meanwhile reducing the overall costs. Wondering how? This is possible with the help of automation.

What does packaging automation mean?

Basically, packaging automation refers to usage of packaging machinery at various stages of the packaging process. It means from filling and sealing boxes to wrapping and labeling, machines and coding will be involved. As far as machinery is concerned, it can be both automatic and semi-automatic.

Also Read: Labeling- An important aspect for your products and business

Undoubtedly, such an arrangement calls for reasonably good investment. But the return on investment and many more benefits makes it a lucrative deal. Without making any delays, have a sneak peek at some of major advantages automating packaging processes.

Cuts down on the costs: The problem with labor intensive processes is that these are not expensive but also fluctuating. At times, it can be really difficult to calculate the budget required for packaging, and the cost of packaging per product. With help of automated packaging solutions, you can easily calculate it with a fixed price for the machinery. As it reduces the labor requirements, you can invest your efforts in value-adding areas.
Enhances Productivity: Certainly, use of automated packaging machinery will help producing goods at much faster rate when compared to manual methods. Though the end results will depends on the type of automation and the number of products required, yet employing latest packaging machinery will dramatically save time. This further ensures a faster production line.
Reduces wastage: Your packaging machine will be using a set amount of material. This means it will be more economical in terms of material usage, and assists in building an efficient pattern with the minimum level of material. And this altogether adds to environmental benefit. With packaging automation, you will be reducing the amount of waste by streamlining the types of packaging you require and eliminating the over-ordering of various materials. It will further save your business a considerable amount in packaging costs.
Better working conditions: Does your packaging involve handling of bulky, cumbersome and heavy items? Then you might be aware of health and safety risks. Even in the safest condition, chances of personnel working for hefty product packaging are high. Not only the chances of injury but also time taken will be more for maintaining rigorous health and safety compliance. With help of automated packaging you can get rid of this issue and create safer working environment.
Punctilious quality: Automated packaging leads to tailored packaging design and shape of each product. Hence, you can ensure the same level of protection for each item as every package will be well-protected through a standardized packing process.
Customization is possible: Whatever product you are dealing with, you will find an automated solution for it. It is possible to get them tailored for your item. From pressure filling, vacuum packing, to sterilized or inflatable stuff, there are number of equipment to suit your needs.

Looking at all the above benefits, it is pretty clear how essential automation turns out to be in the world of packaging. Think deeply and invest smartly!

3 Basic Things To Understand Before Designing Food Product Packaging

It is easy to spot several unique and creative packaging designs for different food products these days. You might be wondering- does adding those bright colors help arousing interest among the buyers?

Well, the food industry has grown exponentially with each passing year. Do you know the revenue of this industry amounts to US$3,776,684m in 2019 and is expected to grow annually by 4.4%? While these companies have expanded into newer avenues to meet the need of taste buds of their consumers, they have ventured with different marketing strategies to promote the same. Among all the other steps taken to improve their products’ appearance, designing of their packaging plays a vital role.

Actually, customers are highly willing to experiment unique flavors and options. And it is the major reason which leads to high competition in the industry to make artistic changes, in order to attract customers. But why do some designs succeed more than others? What are the essential elements to consider when designing a label? How can you make a food packaging interesting and exciting?

If you are into food industry and wish to create a unique, creative, and enticing packaging design, you need to have a deep understanding the three basic things. Find them here:

Understanding Form and Function

The mere function of food packaging is not just to entice the customers. But also it is meant for balancing the shelf appeal with the functional aspect of food product safety. It is just about a fraction of seconds that customers pay attention to your product amidst all the other products available. As far as the functional side is concerned, it indicates that the product arrives in the same condition to a customer, distributor or retailer as it left from the factory or warehouse. With this, the packaging has to carry a clear message stating the features and benefits of the product. For more details, you can refer to the details mentioned by The Food and Drug Administration.

Also Read: Choosing the Food Packaging On the Basis of their Characteristics

Understanding Your Brand Identity

Before you develop your food package design, it is essential to have a clear understanding of the brand. Whether you are reading a magazine, or just shopping at the grocery store, packaging of a product serves to be consumer’s first point-of-contact. Hence, you must identify the brand first and try to find answers to following:

What is my product?
What is the aim behind selling?
How it differs from similar products available in the market?
Who all are the primary targeted customers?

Having answers to these you can look for a package design which is consistent with your brand. You will have a brief idea of how you packaging need to be in terms of size, shape, color, and materials. Simply, your packaging has to be communicative. So prepare a strong and clear massage.

Understanding Material Options

Packaging doesn’t have to be beautiful only but also it has to be efficient enough to protect the food and keep it fresh. Therefore, the list of packaging materials includes glass, plastic, and other sanitary materials. While these are quite cost-effective, these are efficient too. Certainly, food has a limited number of materials when it comes to packaging. You can explore and try to stand out by switching up the materials. Don’t forget to check on what you contenders are offering. With what suits best to your budget and need, you can go for creative with choice of material to draw more attention and customers.

So with realizing these, you are good to go for your next food packaging design. Good luck!

An Insider’s Guide to Poly Mailers

What to pack in poly mailers? What are poly mailers? What to pack in them? Here we have answered everything you wanted to know about poly mailers.

Poly mailers are widely used by e-commerce stores to ship their products to the customers. After all, poly mailers are waterproof, lightweight, cheap and occupy less space than corrugated boxes.

They are an ideal packaging for non-fragile items like apparel, fabrics and yarns, arts and prints, books, shoes and accessories.

However, these benefits of poly mailers come with a trade-off.

Poly mailers are vulnerable to tearing or ripping while being shipped to their destination. On the top of that, they may not be readable by scanning machine at the post office if filled improperly. So, it means that poly mailer has its own pros and cons.

Do they make a good packaging option for your business?

This definitive guide will help you take the right decision.

What to Pack in Poly Mailers?

Poly mailers are used to pack apparel and other fabric goods, as well as papers and leather. However, they are not a right fit for the extremely fragile product, say glass. Such products are packed in a corrugated boxes providing protection.

Product Should Be Fitted Properly in the Poly Mailers:

Make sure that poly mailers are filled properly. Otherwise, it can get caught in or misread by automated machine due to the flat spots. This way, the misread packaging can end up with delays, damages or even returns to sender. Clothes like t-shirt fit properly into the packaging. However, a small jewelry box may require you to find another packaging.

When to Consider Bubble Mailers?

Some businesses consider bubble mailers as an alternative option. They are padded with bubble wrap to prevent damage to the content. Plus, bubble mailers go well with shipping systems even if they are not properly filled. But there is a big catch— virgin plastic is used to make the bubble wrap, thereby they are not easy to recycle.

What to Look for In a Poly Mailer?

From durability, tear strip, release liner, to seal, there are many things to consider before choosing a poly mailer for your business. It not only ensures the protection of your shipped material, but also lets the customer to use it easy.

Let’s have a look over such crucial factors…

Durability:

How to determine the strength of a poly mailer? All you need to consider its thickness, number of layers being used in the process and how sides and bottom are sealed.

Tear Strip:

A tear strip makes the opening of the bag convenient for the customers, without requiring them to poke holes or tear it randomly to get the inside material.

Bottom:

The bottom of the package varies based on the size and type of the product. For example, most lightweight and small products don’t need gusseted bottom (diamond shaped bottom) unless they are heavy or bulky like thick quilts or shoe boxes.

Also Read: Shipping and Poly Mailer Wholesale Bags

Dual peel and seal:

More and more customers are looking for online shopping in which returns are hassle-free. And dual peel and seal bags facilitate the returns as they have two adhesives—first is used by vendors to pack the items while second is used by a customer to pack the items to be returned.

Low Oil Prices Hamper Plastic Recycling: What Does It Mean To Us

To your surprise, here’s how low oil prices can hinder plastic recycling..

Pic Credit:– tjogel.org

A huge drop in fuel prices is good news for the readers out there. After all, you can run your car on a gallon. The declining oil and energy prices are a welcoming change for businesses like aviation, transportation, and every driven industry.

But it comes with a different meaning for a plastic recycling industry. People who own these industries may not be happy with that. Why?

Plastic is made from petroleum. Right?

So, when the prices of oil drop, so do the manufacturing cost of new plastic products. Therefore, it will be cheaper for manufacturers to buy/make new plastic than purchasing recycled plastic.

It simply means why the industry will get recycled plastic if they are getting a new one at cheaper prices. This leads to decreased sale among the recycling industries.

Keep in mind that plastic recycling is an expensive business. The cleaning and processing of plastic take excessive energy with labor.

Factors That Lead to Dropped Oil Prices in the USA

The past two and a half years have seen the lowest oil prices since 2003 in the USA. Many experts also believe that the “oil industry experienced its deepest downturn since at least the 1990s.” The oil production in the nation is on the rise, reducing its dependence on imported oil, and at the same time, the demand for oil has decreased around the world.

It simply means that the supply is more and demand is less.

Plastic is Not Easy to Recycle:

With the declining oil prices, it would be better for the manufacturers to make new plastic than to put money on the expensive recycling process. And that surely add to the complications and limitations associated with plastic recycling. For example, it’s not easy to recycle plastic due to various shape and types.

Therefore, it is a serious concern if the plastic is not recycled. It will lead to huge plastic waste on the planet. Plastic takes at least 500 years to decompose! And when it breaks down, toxic chemicals contaminate the earth.

Most plastic either goes to landfill or ocean. By 2050, there would be more plastics in the oceans than fishes if the plastic waste continues to grow with the same rate.

Plastic Waste Makes Your Vulnerable to Some Serious Health Threats

Plastic poses serious health threats in many direct and indirect ways. This is because of the chemicals that are used to give them characteristics like flexibility and strength.

Some of these chemicals like BPA, PBDE, and TBBPA are hormone-disrupting which are linked with adverse health hazards like cancers, birth defects, endocrine disruption, and reproductive issues.

They enter the human body in many ways, from leaching in the food while using plastic packages or exposing to chemicals during production. Plastic waste also contaminates rivers and other resources which make contact with a human being.

What You Can Do?

You can’t control oil prices. It is not easy for you to break up with plastic altogether. The only thing you can do is to reduce the use of plastic. Less use of plastic means less plastic waste to be recycled or dumped in the landfills or oceans. Here are some simple ways to do that…

Minimize Buying Bottled Water. Use a Refillable Bottle Instead.
Bring Your Own Thermos to the Cafes as Disposable are a Type of Plastic Resin.
Prefer Cardboard Packaging Over Plastic Bottles and Bags
Avoid Using Straws
Choose Blade Razor over Disposable Razor
Use Recyclable or Reusable Shopping Bags
Buy in Bulk
Don’t Use Plasticware at Home

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