Plastic has a bad reputation and is considered an environmental threat by many, but the issue isn’t plastics, but rather the reckless way in which they are disposed of – particularly plastic packaging.
But did you know that…
- plastic components help make aircrafts lighter, more fuel-efficient and reduce their emissions?
- more energy can be produced from plastic than from coal? Recycling 1 tonne of plastic bottles saves 1.5 tonnes of carbon, and one plastic bottle saves enough energy to run a 60-watt light bulb for 6 hours. (https://www.bpf.co.uk/plastipedia/applications/about_plastics__packaging.aspx )
Plastic, like almost anything we produce, has both positive and negative effects on the environment. It takes a conscious effort on everyone’s part, from manufacturers to retailers and consumers, to mitigate the impact of any product and its waste on the planet.
Plastics are multi-functional, and part of our everyday life and their benefits are many…
In this blog, we take a closer look at 4 benefits of plastic packaging:
1. Contribution to Sustainable Development
- Plastic is lightweight and therefore saves energy when it comes to transporting packaged goods. As a result, less fuel is used and there are lower emissions that contribute to greenhouse gases.
- Plastic packaging is easily and frequently recycled. It can be recycled 6 or more times. (https://www.bpf.co.uk/plastipedia/applications/about_plastics__packaging.aspx#strong)
- Plastic packaging reduces food waste. South African households throw away millions of tonnes of food and drink every year. Plastic packaging protects food and makes it last longer. The durability and seal-ability of plastic packaging protect goods from deterioration and increase shelf life.
2. Safety
Tamper-proof and Child Resistant Closures (CRCs) are great examples of plastic packaging that add to the safety of the end product. CRCs are considered one of the most effective methods for reducing accidental poisoning in children by the WHO, and are credited with minimizing the number of accidental medication-related deaths worldwide.
3. Hygiene
Plastic packaging mitigates the risk of contamination for foodstuffs, medicines, and pharmaceuticals. In most instances, the packaging can be filled and sealed without human intervention.
4. Job Creation
According to the Department of Trade and Industry, ” The South African plastics industry is defined as a priority sector by the government and forms an important part of the SA economy. There are approximately 1 800 companies employing around 60 000 workers in this sector.”
Plastic remains one of the best options for packaging as it allows us to protect, preserve, store and transport products in a variety of ways.
Plastic manufacturing and packaging have come a long way, because of companies like us that constantly innovate and seek ways to make our products more durable & sustainable, while minimizing the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills.
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