Plastic bags are an essential aspect of twenty first century life. There is no country in the world that doesn't use them. They have become vital for all our packaging and storing needs. Without them it would be difficult for us to maintain our demands for fresh foods and safely protected goods.

They are comprised of two rectangular sheets of strong plastic that have been sealed on three sides with one side left open. The majority of plastic bags are created from polyethylene or polythene resins. The thickness of the sheets used will depend upon what the end product is destined for. Usually such bags are around two hundred and fifty microns in thickness or less.

Depending upon what use they will be put to, plastic bags are available in countless shapes, sizes, strengths and varieties. Some have handles to aid carrying, others have extra width built into them, and there are those that can be sealed to protect the contents.

Although many people now think of plastic bags as not being friendly to the environment it should be noted that they use less material than other forms of packaging such as boxes or cartons. Another important aspect of today's plastic bags is the ability for them to be recycled. Also it is possible for unwanted bags to be burnt in a process of generating energy from waste.

When considering the effect of plastic bags on the environment it is imperative to understand that compared to paper bags, they require less energy in the manufacturing process as well as when they are transported. An important aspect is also the fact that most plastic bags have the ability to be reused many times due to their strength.

Today they are commonly used in our lives with a wealth of different applications. If we look in our kitchens we can see many different uses. Our garbage bins are lined with plastic bags and our fridges are full of foodstuffs that are kept fresh by plastic packaging that also prevents the spread of food borne illnesses. The bags we carry our groceries home in are also made from plastic, as are the bags used for bathroom items such as soap and beauty products.

Apart from bathroom and kitchen items there are many other uses for plastic bags in our homes. When we buy a DVD or CD they will mostly come in a protective plastic cover, as do the machines we play them on. This helps to prevent damage from scratches, dust, and water. Without plastic packaging these items may not make it back to our homes safely.

There are also many other uses for plastic bags. In hospitals they are an essential and secure method of keeping excellent hygiene standards by protecting instruments and medicines from contamination. Many farms use plastic bags as a way to keep seeds and fertilizers protected from damp and the elements.

Melinda Stockton is a packaging professional with over fifteen years experience in the packaging industry. You can get additional information about poly bags at her company website about packing supplies.