(
https://www.bpf.co.uk/packaging/why-do-we-need-plastic-packaging.aspx) An essential role
Cromwell Polythene’s James Lee explains the role plastic packaging is playing in helping to combat the Coronavirus.
During these difficult times, we are encouraged to spread positivity, and I’d like to talk about the important role that plastic packaging is doing to help key workers in the fight against coronavirus.
It is used for medical equipment and to safely protect specialist items, which is extremely important for infection control at the moment. Plastic is incredibly versatile and, today more than ever, is a lifesaving material, helping healthcare teams around the world in the amazing job they are doing.
In its summary of ‘Why do we need plastic packaging?’, one of the key reasons the British Plastics Federation (BPF) highlights is that ‘plastic keeps products free from contamination. This is particularly useful for medical packaging as they can be filled and sealed hygienically without any human intervention (i.e. sterile syringes).’
Other key workers, including cleaning teams, the care sector and local authority waste management and recycling teams, are reliant on a range of plastic products. This includes personal protective equipment, clinical and special waste sacks, bin liners and recycling sacks amongst others.
Cromwell Polythene is proud to support these frontline workers during the COVID-19 crisis. We are providing these vital industries with resource-efficient products essential to their work, including refuse sacks and bin liners, clinical and special waste sacks, personal protective equipment (gloves and aprons), water-soluble strip laundry bags, and recycling sacks. We are currently experiencing high levels of enquiries and orders for these products and others.
Plastic waste sacks are playing a significant role in helping to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spreading. Public Health England’s ‘Guidance for households with possible coronavirus’ includes advice for cleaning and disposal of waste. It states that personal waste (such as used tissues) and disposable cleaning cloths can be stored securely within disposable rubbish bags.
These bags should be placed into another bag, tied securely and kept separate from other waste. This should be put aside for at least 72 hours before being put in the usual external household waste bin – other household waste can be disposed of as normal.
Having access to vital supplies is important during this time. Plastic packaging also allows fresh food to stay on the shelves for longer and ensures that large amounts of food do not go to waste.
Plastic waste has grabbed the headlines but, in our desire to do the right thing, the challenge for organisations and individuals is not to eschew plastics in favour of less resource efficient alternatives, but to choose responsibly sourced materials with the lowest carbon footprint. As the
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BPF indicates, ‘plastic packaging can be recycled many times to create new products, and the rates of recycling and the number of different plastics that are recycled in the UK have been increasing.’
During the current crisis, to manage high demand we are taking extra care, precautions, and following official advice to maintain a high standard of hygiene. We are regularly updating our customers and suppliers on Cromwell Polythene’s business continuity plans during a rapidly changing situation. Our manufacturing and distribution teams in the UK and overseas are maintaining production, and stock levels are good.
To enable our warehouse and transport teams to operate as efficiently as possible, next day deliveries are currently not guaranteed, although our logistics partners will do their best if requested. We will continue to maintain good hygiene standards and ensure delivery drivers have access to hand washing facilities. Sales and administration teams are working from home where possible, with a minimum level of staff remaining office-based.
Our teams are working exceptionally hard under difficult circumstances. That’s why we’ve started showcasing examples of their work to support others, with the important messages that they are #HelpingUKCareCleanContain and #HelpingPeopleHelpingPlanet.
www.cromwellpolythene.co.uk
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