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.