Pets for many years have become the new children in the USA.
Two demographics are responsible. Young people are marrying later, around 27 years, and are starting families later and have pets. Baby Boomers like the companionship of a pet to spoil. Also the Boomers above 65 are growing at a faster rate than the rest of the population.
The need for all natural pet foods is increasing and the StandUp pouch with zipper is the package of choice. Pouch good for humans, pouch good for pets.
Treats for animals are also growing at about 40% per year and the owners and the pets now eat treats together from pouches! Pet owners see their pets to be almost human. This indulgence is huge and a great contributor to the economy.
Today the pet food industry has led the growth in standup pouches. PPi Technologies GROUP is developing high-speed pouch machines to meet this continued growth.
Thursday, December 18, 2014
Monday, November 24, 2014
Total Customer Experience
It is important to see everything you do in a company through the eyes of the customer.
In the end of all our marketing activities of web site, data sheets, video presentations, quoting, sample making, factory visits or trade shows the customer must win, and I believe having this empathy for the total customer experience is what makes us different and ahead of the competition.
So understanding that customer relationship is uncertain and has to be won time and time again means that you have to understand what the customer wants each time contact is made.
Every contact point between the customers and your staff from the web site, receptionist, sales professional, customer service and service personnel has to be aware of what experience they will have.
The future is getting our technical news out quickly to the customer and leaving them with the information and the feeling that we are the correct solution and the best value for them.
It's all about a good customer experience!
In the end of all our marketing activities of web site, data sheets, video presentations, quoting, sample making, factory visits or trade shows the customer must win, and I believe having this empathy for the total customer experience is what makes us different and ahead of the competition.
So understanding that customer relationship is uncertain and has to be won time and time again means that you have to understand what the customer wants each time contact is made.
Every contact point between the customers and your staff from the web site, receptionist, sales professional, customer service and service personnel has to be aware of what experience they will have.
The future is getting our technical news out quickly to the customer and leaving them with the information and the feeling that we are the correct solution and the best value for them.
It's all about a good customer experience!
Thursday, November 6, 2014
The Consumer and
the Brand Manager Connection
Brand Managers realize that there are many important takeaways that brands can apply to their daily promotions.
The brand has to stand out in a tough competition arena where literally the game never ends.
There is no rest period and you're playing for results, constant good reviews and repeat purchases, how you send your brand message really matters.
Great messages attract attention and outstanding products close the deal.
Electrifying messages keep the product alive and in sight of the consumer. Demanding that they buy the product, with the understanding that they are getting the best available.
As a Brand Manager you have to know your products and where they fit into today's busy consumer lifestyle.
Consumers are always on the move. They have less time at home; on-the-run meals and more trips in the car. Anything to help take the decision out of the product purchase is going to be a winner.
The product should make them feel comfortable and not require help or guidance.
A Brand Manager who can put different products together is unique and adding a social media activity at the same time will help in winning the consumer over.
For example providing a meal and drink that can be consumed without a microwave in the car on the way to an after school activity is a must for busy Moms. Adding an opportunity to play a web game or watch a movie while eating is a huge plus.
Taking advantage of the Internet today compiled with a product is the next big thing, a second chance opportunity by allowing the user to handle the product and tap an NFC tagz on the product for information from the Brand Manager.
Brand Managers have to know who is buying their products, not just in the market segment, but who is the actual purchaser and it can help by knowing the GPS location.
Using NFC tagz to connect the purchaser with the product owner is the solution. The tagz can bring games and information even and a second chance to play another game and this time at a fee or free if the product is purchased again. Mobile contact is the new advertising medium.
Imagine using the NFC tagz for adult products like beer or cigarettes and a second chance invite to access gaming cards from bingo or lottery etc.
Information advertising today is a key skill and collaboration with other products will become the norm.
How you plan the advertising message as a company is important and must give you a distinct competitive advantage in driving the message home, ensuring product retention and overall satisfaction.
No doubt you need to have an amazing sales and marketing front line, but you must also have an equally world-class Customer Care team and a masterful production team to win the long-term game.
At PPi Technologies GROUP, we try to show the tenacity of the staff and highlight the dominant position and precision of the machinery group, the drive of the Customer Care folks, the spirit of the Production team and the incredible displays of talent, tenacity and unbelievable skills of our service technicians.
However, when all is said and done, there is nothing without the consumer. A brand, or product or machine has no relevance if it doesn't engage, fulfill the need and deliver the promise to the buyer.
As the leader, it is my aim to ensure that our machinery and brands are customer-centric and exceed all our promises.
The brand has to stand out in a tough competition arena where literally the game never ends.
There is no rest period and you're playing for results, constant good reviews and repeat purchases, how you send your brand message really matters.
Great messages attract attention and outstanding products close the deal.
Electrifying messages keep the product alive and in sight of the consumer. Demanding that they buy the product, with the understanding that they are getting the best available.
As a Brand Manager you have to know your products and where they fit into today's busy consumer lifestyle.
Consumers are always on the move. They have less time at home; on-the-run meals and more trips in the car. Anything to help take the decision out of the product purchase is going to be a winner.
The product should make them feel comfortable and not require help or guidance.
A Brand Manager who can put different products together is unique and adding a social media activity at the same time will help in winning the consumer over.
For example providing a meal and drink that can be consumed without a microwave in the car on the way to an after school activity is a must for busy Moms. Adding an opportunity to play a web game or watch a movie while eating is a huge plus.
Taking advantage of the Internet today compiled with a product is the next big thing, a second chance opportunity by allowing the user to handle the product and tap an NFC tagz on the product for information from the Brand Manager.
Brand Managers have to know who is buying their products, not just in the market segment, but who is the actual purchaser and it can help by knowing the GPS location.
Using NFC tagz to connect the purchaser with the product owner is the solution. The tagz can bring games and information even and a second chance to play another game and this time at a fee or free if the product is purchased again. Mobile contact is the new advertising medium.
Imagine using the NFC tagz for adult products like beer or cigarettes and a second chance invite to access gaming cards from bingo or lottery etc.
Information advertising today is a key skill and collaboration with other products will become the norm.
How you plan the advertising message as a company is important and must give you a distinct competitive advantage in driving the message home, ensuring product retention and overall satisfaction.
No doubt you need to have an amazing sales and marketing front line, but you must also have an equally world-class Customer Care team and a masterful production team to win the long-term game.
At PPi Technologies GROUP, we try to show the tenacity of the staff and highlight the dominant position and precision of the machinery group, the drive of the Customer Care folks, the spirit of the Production team and the incredible displays of talent, tenacity and unbelievable skills of our service technicians.
However, when all is said and done, there is nothing without the consumer. A brand, or product or machine has no relevance if it doesn't engage, fulfill the need and deliver the promise to the buyer.
As the leader, it is my aim to ensure that our machinery and brands are customer-centric and exceed all our promises.
Monday, September 29, 2014
The Growing Explosion
Of Social Networking
Have you thought about this recently released Facebook fact? It is expected by 2015 that the number of Facebook users will exceed the population of China! This figure is also not considered to be the peak use. This means you have to operate in the Social Networking arena or close your business!
So what do the figures mean? Facebook had 600 million users in 2010 and now in 2014 they have at least 1.2 billion. Company usage has grown to above 70%. The use of social media as a marketing tool has exploded over the past four years.
Companies today rely on their advertising or public relations department to strategize, execute and monitor their brands' social-media presence. What is for sure is that social media increases brand awareness and relationships with clients and prospects. The web is no longer free. These campaigns and contacts cost money.
Brand Managers anguish about who is watching or to whom their message is getting through. Our joint patented NFC tag (Near Field Communication) process, using iZipline metrics on StandUp pouches and tray packaging ensures with just a tap of your phone on the NFC tag equipped pouch or container the brand achieves absolute contact with the purchaser. A marketing dream comes true! Brand Managers can now talk to the consumer and ask why they like or bought the product and make offers to keep the relationship going. The NFC allows "second chance" for talking to the consumer in either a game/lottery scenario after initial contact.
The NFC technology also allows for recalls, best by date and guarantees that the product is authentic and not counterfeit. These features alone make NFC a wonderful benefit in customer satisfaction. With no worries about the product integrity.
Imagine buying Chilling Rocks™ Natural Spring Water StandUp pouches, filled on a PSG LEE machine, labeled with an NFC tag and then learning about the correct way to hydrate, how to use Natural Spring Water with tablets and receive a short story about the Florida Power and Light energy program in Florida where their incinerators recover energy from garbage thus making the pouch a zero carbon dioxide pack when incinerated, often called an "Oil to Oil" or zero landfill package.
This StandUp pouch NFC feature is increasing social media growth and buzz about products. On pouches, caps, trays and gaming cards NFC tags provide identification and communication with the consumer the opportunity to maintain contact through access to information or playing a game or the chance of a lottery makes it a sure bet to succeed. Life is great!
So what do the figures mean? Facebook had 600 million users in 2010 and now in 2014 they have at least 1.2 billion. Company usage has grown to above 70%. The use of social media as a marketing tool has exploded over the past four years.
Companies today rely on their advertising or public relations department to strategize, execute and monitor their brands' social-media presence. What is for sure is that social media increases brand awareness and relationships with clients and prospects. The web is no longer free. These campaigns and contacts cost money.
Brand Managers anguish about who is watching or to whom their message is getting through. Our joint patented NFC tag (Near Field Communication) process, using iZipline metrics on StandUp pouches and tray packaging ensures with just a tap of your phone on the NFC tag equipped pouch or container the brand achieves absolute contact with the purchaser. A marketing dream comes true! Brand Managers can now talk to the consumer and ask why they like or bought the product and make offers to keep the relationship going. The NFC allows "second chance" for talking to the consumer in either a game/lottery scenario after initial contact.
The NFC technology also allows for recalls, best by date and guarantees that the product is authentic and not counterfeit. These features alone make NFC a wonderful benefit in customer satisfaction. With no worries about the product integrity.
Imagine buying Chilling Rocks™ Natural Spring Water StandUp pouches, filled on a PSG LEE machine, labeled with an NFC tag and then learning about the correct way to hydrate, how to use Natural Spring Water with tablets and receive a short story about the Florida Power and Light energy program in Florida where their incinerators recover energy from garbage thus making the pouch a zero carbon dioxide pack when incinerated, often called an "Oil to Oil" or zero landfill package.
This StandUp pouch NFC feature is increasing social media growth and buzz about products. On pouches, caps, trays and gaming cards NFC tags provide identification and communication with the consumer the opportunity to maintain contact through access to information or playing a game or the chance of a lottery makes it a sure bet to succeed. Life is great!
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
Harnessing the Power of E-Mail
E-mail.... What did we do before email? It now touches our lives every minute of the day.
How to harness this written energy and not become overloaded is every manager's wish.
First you cannot solve major problems by email; so, call a meeting and talk rather than go back and forth. Think time!
Remember the subject line in the email should shout out what is inside the email. Make it strong with full details of times or dates or be precise about your intent. Return vague emails with strong subject matter in the subject line.
Never write more than one subject per email. Keep it short and, hopefully, precise. This means it will be read much faster.
Multiple subjects or what the reader perceives as a complicated long email will not be read correctly if at all.
Answer each subject with a separate email.
Learn to keep your message short and smart. Ask or tell what you want to say with minimum words.
Watch out with huge attachments they might never be opened.
Learn to use EOM (short for End Of Message). You can read an email, write a quick response in the subject line, and finish with EOM. This means the receiver won't have to open and read the email for your response. Time-saving for both parties.
EOM.
How to harness this written energy and not become overloaded is every manager's wish.
First you cannot solve major problems by email; so, call a meeting and talk rather than go back and forth. Think time!
Remember the subject line in the email should shout out what is inside the email. Make it strong with full details of times or dates or be precise about your intent. Return vague emails with strong subject matter in the subject line.
Never write more than one subject per email. Keep it short and, hopefully, precise. This means it will be read much faster.
Multiple subjects or what the reader perceives as a complicated long email will not be read correctly if at all.
Answer each subject with a separate email.
Learn to keep your message short and smart. Ask or tell what you want to say with minimum words.
Watch out with huge attachments they might never be opened.
Learn to use EOM (short for End Of Message). You can read an email, write a quick response in the subject line, and finish with EOM. This means the receiver won't have to open and read the email for your response. Time-saving for both parties.
EOM.
Monday, June 2, 2014
Customer Engagement
Today with all the new customer communication channels provided by Social Media it has become apparent that the old ways won't work!
First change is if you are using the web to help your sales it is important to understand what the customer does when they log onto your web site. Mapping the customer journey through multiple channels is essential.
The next change is to actually go beyond standard service when dealing with the customer. This means your business mission has to be understood by all employees.
For example our machinery division sells machines that runs at highest efficiency with lowest waste 24/7. Our mission in selling terms is we offer fastest speeds at lowest package cost. All communications are around this theme.
The next important change is the engagement with the customer and how to hold the customer's attention. The aim here is to avoid the customer looking and then switching to a competitor.
This is pure marketing in 2014.
We all need to ask what is the brand message and are we able to deliver this time and time again?
Can we meet that promise or more importantly can all the staff provide customers with the same answer about the message?
Credibility is the hardest part of brand promises.
Constant contact with the customers is necessary to make sure that the Company is delivering on its promise.
Now with understanding the journey the customer made in looking you up it is essential you create value in what you offer.
Discounting is not value but showing them that our products help them to be more successful is value at its highest point.
Finally you want customers to know they are with a brand that delivers on its promise.
First change is if you are using the web to help your sales it is important to understand what the customer does when they log onto your web site. Mapping the customer journey through multiple channels is essential.
The next change is to actually go beyond standard service when dealing with the customer. This means your business mission has to be understood by all employees.
For example our machinery division sells machines that runs at highest efficiency with lowest waste 24/7. Our mission in selling terms is we offer fastest speeds at lowest package cost. All communications are around this theme.
The next important change is the engagement with the customer and how to hold the customer's attention. The aim here is to avoid the customer looking and then switching to a competitor.
This is pure marketing in 2014.
We all need to ask what is the brand message and are we able to deliver this time and time again?
Can we meet that promise or more importantly can all the staff provide customers with the same answer about the message?
Credibility is the hardest part of brand promises.
Constant contact with the customers is necessary to make sure that the Company is delivering on its promise.
Now with understanding the journey the customer made in looking you up it is essential you create value in what you offer.
Discounting is not value but showing them that our products help them to be more successful is value at its highest point.
Finally you want customers to know they are with a brand that delivers on its promise.
Monday, May 5, 2014
Digital Marketing
The latest news sending a shudder through the social network industry is that suddenly the young people segment is slowing down in regards to their postings on Facebook [where parents can read their posts] and moving to Twitter where they can see what the Hollywood stars and other famous people are saying as they Tweet. Why this big change is occurring is still being determined.
Digital marketer's caught off guard with the Twitter news are quickly checking to make sure they understand the Digital Moms segment, another important trend setter and communication area. The average mom spends about four hours a day on social media networks. Most women will share opinions on purchases, about retail stores, apparel and meals. This is important, as there is a difference between the homemaker and the employee postings. They are not the same!
Nutritional news and information is key today as everyone is watching their calorie intake and not necessarily cutting back, but making a change throughout the day as they eat. Averaging calories is the new way.
So our new NFC chip on our StandUp pouches is going to be very useful to Mom as she plans her meals and what to buy, because the Brand Managers can give her instant information right to her phone after one tap against the pouch. Speaking directly with the customer has always been the dream of the Brand Manager. Giving them current information about the product, confirming it is not expired and of course that it is not counterfeit are all guarantees Mom needs.
Who would have thought that the Mom market segment is going to lead the Digital marketing market?
Digital marketer's caught off guard with the Twitter news are quickly checking to make sure they understand the Digital Moms segment, another important trend setter and communication area. The average mom spends about four hours a day on social media networks. Most women will share opinions on purchases, about retail stores, apparel and meals. This is important, as there is a difference between the homemaker and the employee postings. They are not the same!
Nutritional news and information is key today as everyone is watching their calorie intake and not necessarily cutting back, but making a change throughout the day as they eat. Averaging calories is the new way.
So our new NFC chip on our StandUp pouches is going to be very useful to Mom as she plans her meals and what to buy, because the Brand Managers can give her instant information right to her phone after one tap against the pouch. Speaking directly with the customer has always been the dream of the Brand Manager. Giving them current information about the product, confirming it is not expired and of course that it is not counterfeit are all guarantees Mom needs.
Who would have thought that the Mom market segment is going to lead the Digital marketing market?
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
Good News for the Sunshine State
We are very lucky in Florida to have year round visitors and the no income tax. The benefit is that we are bringing more and more companies to our State where they can tout this feature. PPi Technologies GROUP continues to expand and offer more products and services taking advantage of all these new businesses.
The Sunshine State, which by mid-year is expected to surpass New York as the country's third most populous state, and Moody's Analytics is projecting a statewide population increase of 360,000 annually for at least the next two years.
With the really harsh winters in the North for the past two years this movement to the south is really no surprise. In addition to young families moving here, the massive baby boom generation continues to actively seek-out the best places to retire or find less stressful jobs where they can offer their life experience skills. The boomers will redefine how retirement is lived, and in Florida they can lead healthy, productive and culturally rich lifestyles.
One of the benefits of this migration to Florida is the number of new jobs being created to cater to its needs. In December for example, Florida added more than 25,000 new private sector jobs, topping all other states except Texas. This had the effect of driving down the state's unemployment level to 6.4%, its lowest level since mid-2008. This is fantastic news for local businesses and the economy.
Of course, significant new growth in Southwest Florida's job sector has created additional demand for housing and schools. What is not happening is more investments in infrastructure like roads and in Sarasota we are starting to see it daily. We all need to tell our elected officials to take note of this before we have major gridlock. University Parkway was a disaster zone last week following an accident on the I75 road.
Welcome new Floridians. Legislators start preparing for phenomenal growth in the next 5 years.
The Sunshine State, which by mid-year is expected to surpass New York as the country's third most populous state, and Moody's Analytics is projecting a statewide population increase of 360,000 annually for at least the next two years.
With the really harsh winters in the North for the past two years this movement to the south is really no surprise. In addition to young families moving here, the massive baby boom generation continues to actively seek-out the best places to retire or find less stressful jobs where they can offer their life experience skills. The boomers will redefine how retirement is lived, and in Florida they can lead healthy, productive and culturally rich lifestyles.
One of the benefits of this migration to Florida is the number of new jobs being created to cater to its needs. In December for example, Florida added more than 25,000 new private sector jobs, topping all other states except Texas. This had the effect of driving down the state's unemployment level to 6.4%, its lowest level since mid-2008. This is fantastic news for local businesses and the economy.
Of course, significant new growth in Southwest Florida's job sector has created additional demand for housing and schools. What is not happening is more investments in infrastructure like roads and in Sarasota we are starting to see it daily. We all need to tell our elected officials to take note of this before we have major gridlock. University Parkway was a disaster zone last week following an accident on the I75 road.
Welcome new Floridians. Legislators start preparing for phenomenal growth in the next 5 years.
Monday, March 24, 2014
The Machine Future Is Robotics and Vision Inspection Cameras in Every Function
Our PGS machine group is being asked what can be done to increase efficiency, or better described as, Uptime on our pouch machine systems?
Our machines are designed to run 24/7, 900 shifts a year. Performance is operator driven with the obvious human risks. The use of cameras as quality assurance inspectors and robotics for loading ensures the highest performance for example as we reach speeds of 1000 pouches per minute with our Nishibe pouch making machines.
Because of the increase in requests for proven consistency and reliability we are offering more and more robots and vision inspection cameras. With speeds increasing and the use of different components the cameras are proving to be a fail safe. Defect pouches are rejected on line before reaching the customer.
Our first success was some three years ago in North America. The demand was for a medical device pouch that had to be 100% complete defect free when dispatched to the troops. The four robots on the PSG LEE machine made sure it met all the objectives with a zero fail rate.
Benefits of reduced machine size, noise reduction and non-stop repetitive performance makes these new robot driven machines an instant choice.
Our German strategic partner, SN Machinery has just sold a machine for the dental device segment where all the components have to be present in the pouch for the product to work. The two robots integrated into the machine ensure this happens throughout the 24/7 shifts.
As we sell more and more spout machines we are finding the vision inspection cameras are increasing quality and output beyond any previous specification. We are creating the future!
We are also developing highly skilled new jobs for electric skilled technicians in this new robot and camera era.
We continue with the StandUp pouch revolution we started in 1995.
Our machines are designed to run 24/7, 900 shifts a year. Performance is operator driven with the obvious human risks. The use of cameras as quality assurance inspectors and robotics for loading ensures the highest performance for example as we reach speeds of 1000 pouches per minute with our Nishibe pouch making machines.
Because of the increase in requests for proven consistency and reliability we are offering more and more robots and vision inspection cameras. With speeds increasing and the use of different components the cameras are proving to be a fail safe. Defect pouches are rejected on line before reaching the customer.
Our first success was some three years ago in North America. The demand was for a medical device pouch that had to be 100% complete defect free when dispatched to the troops. The four robots on the PSG LEE machine made sure it met all the objectives with a zero fail rate.
Benefits of reduced machine size, noise reduction and non-stop repetitive performance makes these new robot driven machines an instant choice.
Our German strategic partner, SN Machinery has just sold a machine for the dental device segment where all the components have to be present in the pouch for the product to work. The two robots integrated into the machine ensure this happens throughout the 24/7 shifts.
As we sell more and more spout machines we are finding the vision inspection cameras are increasing quality and output beyond any previous specification. We are creating the future!
We are also developing highly skilled new jobs for electric skilled technicians in this new robot and camera era.
We continue with the StandUp pouch revolution we started in 1995.
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
What's Next?
During the year we get many visitors to our new facility in Sarasota, Florida, and this increases substantially in the winter months.
After a tour following the pouch machinery presentations, the inevitable question arises, “What’s Next in Pouching”?
We think Nanotechnology is going to have a dramatic effect on film structures. And it is a likely candidate to replace foil in many pouches. The benefits of these all-plastic structures help with reduced cost and favorable sustainability goals.
Another benefit is our 2013 introduction of NFC (Near Field Communication) chip for packaging and the ability to deliver data to the consumer who bought the pouch. Data includes Best By Date; a Guarantee that it is not a counterfeit product; instant coupons; other market and product information throughout the pouch life. Recalls of bad product will be easily handled by pouches with a NFC chip.
More pouches with spouts, several new double and treble compartment pouches for consumers to use.
Our new horizontal BagPaQ™ pouch and handle with a HandiTap™ applied just before use for the beverage and house chemical industries has drawn huge attention and the second quarter launch will be interesting.
Coming is a new range of Dip-N-Rinz™ Spittoon pouches with several consumer benefits for tobacco chewers, hospital patients with coughs and even a twin compartment pouch for use when walking the dog every day.
Healthcare needs will be addressed by offering a handy SoaPaQ™ pocket pouch with an internal unit dose system for dispensing antibacterial soaps and creams outside the bathroom.
Many of our visitors are amazed at the elegance of the new KoolPaQ™ round pouch and it's ability to remain erect until the last drop is used. For sure we have an industry winner on our hands.
We trust when our visitors leave they are awed by our new pouches and we hope feel comfortable that they made the right choice to partner with PPiTech Group.
After a tour following the pouch machinery presentations, the inevitable question arises, “What’s Next in Pouching”?
We think Nanotechnology is going to have a dramatic effect on film structures. And it is a likely candidate to replace foil in many pouches. The benefits of these all-plastic structures help with reduced cost and favorable sustainability goals.
Another benefit is our 2013 introduction of NFC (Near Field Communication) chip for packaging and the ability to deliver data to the consumer who bought the pouch. Data includes Best By Date; a Guarantee that it is not a counterfeit product; instant coupons; other market and product information throughout the pouch life. Recalls of bad product will be easily handled by pouches with a NFC chip.
More pouches with spouts, several new double and treble compartment pouches for consumers to use.
Our new horizontal BagPaQ™ pouch and handle with a HandiTap™ applied just before use for the beverage and house chemical industries has drawn huge attention and the second quarter launch will be interesting.
Coming is a new range of Dip-N-Rinz™ Spittoon pouches with several consumer benefits for tobacco chewers, hospital patients with coughs and even a twin compartment pouch for use when walking the dog every day.
Healthcare needs will be addressed by offering a handy SoaPaQ™ pocket pouch with an internal unit dose system for dispensing antibacterial soaps and creams outside the bathroom.
Many of our visitors are amazed at the elegance of the new KoolPaQ™ round pouch and it's ability to remain erect until the last drop is used. For sure we have an industry winner on our hands.
We trust when our visitors leave they are awed by our new pouches and we hope feel comfortable that they made the right choice to partner with PPiTech Group.
Friday, January 31, 2014
Paper or Plastic?
There are so many views about plastic grocery bags that it is time to comment on this subject.
The question is this: What effect do plastic bags have on the environment and are some legislative folks ignoring the benefit they have for the consumer? Personally, I like plastic bags and use them around the house and office to collect and contain all types of stuff prior to disposal. So plastic bags have a second shelf life. Now to be fair, I do use paper bags for my old mail, newspapers and other non-food garbage but does it make sense to throw non-food items into paper bags for disposal in the waste stream?
Back to plastic bags, some people blame them for unsightly litter all over the neighborhood, but consider this, how did they get there? Are they harmful to animal life? I really don’t know as I have never seen any animal eat a bag! What happens in the garbage landfill? .... Do they break down earlier than other materials? .... I doubt it as they need sunlight and exposure for decomposition. Plastic in our landfills will still be around when our grandchildren are grown!
We are, of course, very lucky in Florida with FPL, the forward- looking utility company with some 13 incinerators, burning all the garbage and recovering energy, [plastic bags produce the same BTU value as natural gas] waste metals and of course slag, that wonderful product used for building roads.
Back to paper: Manufacturing is not a clean process like plastic bags, and it requires a lot of virgin fibers for strength; bleach is required in a lot of the processes and to make paper, trees are needed.
The alternative offered to replace both plastic and paper bags is a woven cloth bag; however, the latest news is that these are walking bacteria cultures, and that is an unpleasant thought for anyone.
So let's keep the plastic bags and dispose or recycle them correctly to keep all parties satisfied.
The question is this: What effect do plastic bags have on the environment and are some legislative folks ignoring the benefit they have for the consumer? Personally, I like plastic bags and use them around the house and office to collect and contain all types of stuff prior to disposal. So plastic bags have a second shelf life. Now to be fair, I do use paper bags for my old mail, newspapers and other non-food garbage but does it make sense to throw non-food items into paper bags for disposal in the waste stream?
Back to plastic bags, some people blame them for unsightly litter all over the neighborhood, but consider this, how did they get there? Are they harmful to animal life? I really don’t know as I have never seen any animal eat a bag! What happens in the garbage landfill? .... Do they break down earlier than other materials? .... I doubt it as they need sunlight and exposure for decomposition. Plastic in our landfills will still be around when our grandchildren are grown!
We are, of course, very lucky in Florida with FPL, the forward- looking utility company with some 13 incinerators, burning all the garbage and recovering energy, [plastic bags produce the same BTU value as natural gas] waste metals and of course slag, that wonderful product used for building roads.
Back to paper: Manufacturing is not a clean process like plastic bags, and it requires a lot of virgin fibers for strength; bleach is required in a lot of the processes and to make paper, trees are needed.
The alternative offered to replace both plastic and paper bags is a woven cloth bag; however, the latest news is that these are walking bacteria cultures, and that is an unpleasant thought for anyone.
So let's keep the plastic bags and dispose or recycle them correctly to keep all parties satisfied.
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