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Why I believe Polypropylene is better than Cellophane?

What are Polypropylene Bags?
Polypro (PP) is a petrochemical product and the bags are created using an extrusion process and is the modern choice for packaging items that will be displayed to consumers in their plastic wrap. The high gloss and clarity of the bags enhance the appeal of the product within. These bags are referred to as "Cello Bags" because they have replaced the old fashioned cellophane bags made from cellulose which yellowed when aging.
 

What are Cellophane Bags

Cellulose fibres from wood, cotton, hemp, or other sources are dissolved in alkali and carbon disulfide to make a solution called viscose, which is then extruded through a slit into a bath of dilute sulfuric acid and sodium sulfate to reconvert the viscose into cellulose. The film is then passed through several more baths, one to remove sulfur, one to bleach the film, and one to add glycerin to prevent the film from becoming brittle.
Cellophane sales have dwindled since the 1960s due to use of alternative packaging options, and the fact that viscose is becoming less common because of the polluting effects of carbon disulfide and other by-products of the process. However, the fact that cellophane is 100% biodegradable has increased its popularity as a food wrapping.

Why I believe Polypropylene is better than Cellophane?

I have used both products extensively over the years in a retail environment, in my opinion cellophane displayed the following characteristics

* it is more prone to scuffing

* tends to get dirty easily in a retail environment

* does not like moisture or water (causes shrink/pinch marks)

* the equivalent 30/35um thickness cellophane is not as durable (wear & tear), I was constantly re-bagging

* cellophane discolours (yellows) with age and even more so if exposed to any sunlight

I changed over to Polypropylene and never had the problems that I experienced with cellophane

In regards to the environmental aspect, I would suggest the following

* In the perfect world we should live without clear packaging, therefore there would be little demand for either product

* As we do not live in the perfect world, we have to weigh up which is the better product

* Both products are environmentally unfriendly for different reasons

* Cellophane manufacture creates undesirable pollution but is biodegradable

* Polypropylene is oil based and is not suitable for waste disposal, but can be re-cycled into other products

Summary

I believe that with all things considered, the benefits of polypropylene outweigh using cellophane.

I also believe that industry as a whole has had a similar experience and is the product of choice for all the same reasons.

** The above information is supplied in good faith from my personal experience and research, while I do sell PP bags but do not sell Cellophane bags at the current time, I have tried to present a balanced point of view so as others may do the same. I have no other technical expertise and I only present this in the interests of buyer evaluation.

Rev 20/9/2014