The discovery of plastic revolutionised a huge range of different industries and sectors. Its affordability and ease of production made it the perfect solution for numerous different products, and it is still one of the most widely used materials on the planet.
Plastic can come in many forms, each of which can offer specific properties that make it more suitable for particular uses. Let’s take a look at single-use plastics and discuss why they still have immense value. Keep reading to find out more.
They’re Hygienic
Perhaps one of the greatest benefits of single-use plastics is how hygienic they are. They can be discarded after use to significantly reduce the risk of any cross-contamination occurring. What’s more, plastics can be made from medical-grade material, making them perfect for use in the healthcare industry, with June Medical’s advanced self-retaining retractor being a prime example.
We can see single-use plastics used extensively in the food and drink industry, as they make the ideal packaging for a range of different products. They offer a secure and robust package for food and drink to be stored in, while also being hygienic and preventing the growth of or infiltration by harmful substances such as bacteria or chemicals.
They Can Save Time
This point is particularly relevant for the healthcare industry. Hospitals and doctors’ practices can be hectic places where time is of the essence. Often, decisions and actions need to be taken instantly to safeguard a patient and potentially save their life. If staff are preoccupied with having to clean and sterilise equipment for reuse, this could limit their ability to provide adequate care for their patients.
By using single-use plastic for medical tools and instruments, the equipment can be discarded after use, and staff will not have to concern themselves with the lengthy and often arduous cleaning process. This extra time can be dedicated to patient care and will significantly improve the quality of service.
They’re Affordable
No matter the industry, manufacturing can be expensive. Traditional materials like wood or metal are particularly pricing to produce, with additional difficulties in the collection and construction aspects as well.
Plastic can be produced at a rapid rate and with incredible accuracy at a price not afforded by any other comparable material. Hospitals and healthcare services must adhere to strict budget structures at all times. Healthcare is enormously expensive, so being able to reduce costs wherever possible in a way that doesn’t impact the quality of care is crucial. By using single-use plastics, hospitals and healthcare services can reduce the cost of purchasing medical equipment and use the money saved to continue improving the service they offer to patients.
There is a huge range of different materials available for use in manufacturing and production. However, few of these offer benefits as attractive as single-use plastics. They are both hygienic and affordable and can be used to effectively save time for healthcare services and beyond. Single-use plastics still have immense value, and we can expect to see them in use for many years to come.