Polybags is a responsible packaging manufacturer. As well as producing a range of biodegradable bags and packaging with recycled content, we also produce a huge range of products made from recyclable materials, such as polythene and paper.
By re-using and then recycling the packaging we use - rather than just disposing of it after a single use - we can all help to reduce waste and save on raw materials, thereby cutting greenhouse gas emissions and contributing to a greener, cleaner planet.
Look out for the green universal recycling logo (above) as you shop at Polybags. If the product features it - as most of ours do - then it is suitable for recycling. If your local recycling collection doesn't include polythene bags, our handy recycling locator tool will help you find your nearest plastic bag recycling point (UK only).
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The vast majority of Polybags products can be recycled. On this website, any product marked with the universal green recycling icon is suitable for recycling.
If your local recycling collection doesn't accept polythene bags, our recycling locator tool will help you find your nearest bag recycling point (UK only).
Within the recycling symbol you will find a number from 1-7 or the letter 'P', for paper. The numbers are a resin identification code - a universal system that specifies the plastic resin from which a product is made. Numbers 1-6 specify a particular plastic resin, whilst anything that doesn't fit into one these categories is labelled '7 Other'.
Most of Polybags' recyclable plastic products are made from polyethylene - either low density (LDPE) or high density (HDPE) - or polypropylene. You can find out more in our handy recyclable plastics guide, below.
High density polyethylene, or HDPE, is a lightweight but very strong plastic that is both incredibly versatile and extremely malleable.
As a result, this typically opaque plastic is used for a huge range of products, in both its rigid form (e.g. milk cartons) and its flexible form (e.g. bags), making it one of the most widely-used types of plastic today.
Low density polyethylene, or LDPE, is a strong, translucent, flexible and moisture-resistant plastic that is easy to process and low in cost.
Offering excellent product protection, LDPE is most commonly used for film packaging and is one of the popular forms of plastic packaging in the world, as well as the most widely-used material here at Polybags.
Polypropylene, or PP, is a strong, tough, moisture-resistant and versatile plastic that is used for similar applications as polyethylenes, but is generally stiffer and more heat-resistant. PP is the world's second-most widely produced plastic, after polyethylene.
Polypropylene film has the appearance of cellophane, but is cheaper, stronger, more eco-friendly, has better clarity and makes higher-quality products.
Polystyrene, or PS, is commonly-used plastic that can be found in either solid (molded) or foamed form.
A naturally clear plastic, PS in its solid form is generally hard and somewhat brittle. PS foam is a good insulator and has good damping properties. Most people would be familiar with expanded polystyrene (EPS) - a rigid, tough, closed-cell foam that offers good protection when used in packaging.
Paper is a popular alternative to plastic for a range of products where the functional benefits of plastic - e.g. flexibility & moisture resistance - are not required.
Paper is more widely recyclable and decomposes much quicker than plastic, so is less likely to be a source of litter. However, when it comes to production and transportation, paper has a much higher carbon footprint than plastic.
Polybags manufacture plastic products from three of the main six recycling categories, along with one product line classified as '7 Other' (see below). The other three types of plastic used in production elsewhere, but not by Polybags, are as follows:
Polyethylene Terephthalate, or PET (or PETE), is a strong, clear, lightweight plastic that belongs to the polyester family.
PET can be used to make soft and flexible fabric - when it is called polyester - or a more rigid material - usually referred to as PET - used to make a wide range of packaging, but is best known for plastic drinks bottles.
Polyvinyl chloride, more commonly known as PVC or vinyl (V), is the third most widely-produced plastic in the world, after polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP).
PVC comes in either as a rigid plastic - e.g. as used to make window frames - or in a more flexible form, such as that used to make clothing and music records.
The plastic resin identifier code 7 is given to all plastics that don't fit into any of one of the other six main categories.
Polybags' range of vacuum pouch bags are manufactured from a composite film made from polyamide (PA) and polyethylene (PE), meaning they are classified in this category.
Use Polybags' recycling locator tool to find your nearest recycling point.
The way that we recycle products is always changing, as technology evolves and more local authorities widen their recycling programmes.
Most people now have a home recycling service available to them, to collect a range of recyclable packaging, including paper, aluminium, glass and plastic.
Most kerbside recycling programmes have traditionally restricted plastic recycling to rigid plastics such as bottles or trays, although more local authorities are now beginning to collect plastic bags as part of this service.
For those UK households unable to recycle plastic bags and film in their home recycling, Polybags' recycling locator tool provides a quick and easy way to find your nearest bag recycling point. These are often located at major supermarkets.
The recycling locator tool also allows you to check exactly what packaging your local authority permits in each of the recycling bins. Just enter your postcode and away you go!
