Plastics help us reuse everyday products and materials, through storage drums, trays, crates and pallets. Returnable plastic crates, for example, substantially reduce one-trip packaging, often having a life of more than 25 years or more. And, of course, they are fully recyclable at the end of their life, being made into new crates or other products.
Returnable plastic crates, for example, substantially reduce one-trip packaging, often having a life of more than 25 years or more
And reusable plastic bags are playing a greater part in responsible retailing. The industry has been playing a big part, not just in helping to make plastic bags lighter and thinner – 70% in fact since the 1980’s – but in encouraging their reuse.
The last few years have seen a dramatic increase in the public’s use of reusable carrier bags for grocery shopping. This will have a positive environmental impact as long as these thick, durable bags are reused sufficiently often. That is the challenge for the consumer.
Site Sponsors
Plastics Europe
PlasticsEurope is one of the leading European trade associations with offices in Brussels, Frankfurt, London, Madrid, Milan and Paris.
We are networking with European and national plastics associations and have more than 100 member companies, producing over 90% of all polymers across the 27 EU member states plus Norway, Switzerland, Croatia and Turkey.
The British Plastics Federation (BPF) is the leading trade association for the UK Plastics Industry, with over 400 members and 1200 affiliated members.
Encompassing the whole plastics supply chain including raw material suppliers, processors, machinery suppliers and recyclers. BPF membership covers over 75% of the plastics industry by turnover.
PAFA (the Packaging and Films Association) combines the former PIFA and FPA. It represents the £2 billion UK industry for the development and manufacture of films and the conversion of lightweight flexible packaging and rigid sheet.
PAFA’s core role supports around 80% of the highly innovative flexibles industry in the UK and also provides strong European links and influence.
