Packaging Today reports that UK-based Cromwell Polythene is relaunching its clinical waste sacks range, using ‘star seal’ technology to maximise carrying capacity, while optimising leak resistance.

The range makes use of Cromwell Polythene’s exclusive LOWCO2T technology to reduce the weight of the bags, bringing about substantial savings in CO₂ and other emissions throughout the supply chain and the products’ life cycle.

There has always been room for a better bag, and many prefer a bag manufactured with reduced wall thickness as these are easier to seal with a knot or cable tie. The composition of bags is important since some regulators and others specify a minimum wall thickness that can be achieved only with the more chunky polythene. However, thickness does not mean strength and if these softer bags are punctured or torn that tear can propagate rapidly.

We all share a desire for a better waste bag and better more efficient and more safe closure. bags should be leak-proof at their seams, but must also demonstrate resistance to penetration, resistance to the propagation of any tea, and some measure of practicality in handling thick or thinner more compliant materials. There is also a need for a degree of fire resistance and ideally a minimum CO₂ impact that must consider also the CO₂ impact of manufacture and distribution, for heavy and bulky sacks, and perhaps also of the calorific value and/or options for recovery and recycling of film after disposal and ATT treatment.

A BSI of ISO standard seems essential, to define and scale all of theee factors. However, as this may unsettle a very competitive marketplace, it seems likely that any such standard would be hobbled to permit manufacturers to compete in an open market with products that vary tremendously in performance characteristics.

Another missed opportunity perhaps?