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Забавні факти про пакети, яких ви не знали

Plastic bags are everyday items that we use almost daily without giving them much thought. They’ve become so common in our lives that we rarely consider their origins, history, or impact on culture and the environment.

However, plastic bags actually have a fascinating history and many surprising facts. From their accidental invention to records set by their usage — bags hold plenty of unexpected stories. In this article, we’ve collected the most interesting facts about plastic bags that are sure to surprise you!

1. Plastic bags were invented to protect nature

Although plastic bags are now often blamed for polluting the environment, the first plastic bag was actually created with the opposite goal — to protect nature!

In 1959, Swedish engineer Sten Gustaf Thulin invented the plastic bag as an eco-friendly alternative to paper bags. At the time, paper bag production was leading to mass deforestation, and plastic bags were seen as an “environmental breakthrough.”

The irony:
Today, plastic bags are a symbol of environmental pollution — even though they were originally created to help save the planet! ?

2. The longest use of a plastic bag — over 50 years!

In 2018, a woman in the UK surprised everyone when she found a plastic bag in her pantry that she had used for over 50 years! The bag was in good condition and still perfectly usable.

This proves that a high-quality polyethylene bag can last for decades if used properly.

3. Over 5 trillion plastic bags are used globally each year

According to UN estimates, more than 5 trillion plastic bags are used worldwide every year — that’s around 160,000 bags every second!

If you lined up all the bags used in a single year, they could wrap around the Earth 40 times. ?

4. In the ocean, a plastic bag can be mistaken for a jellyfish

Plastic bags in the ocean pose a major threat to marine life.

Sea turtles, for example, often mistake bags for jellyfish — their favorite food — and swallow them. This can lead to death due to intestinal blockage.

Scientists estimate that more than 100,000 marine animals die each year due to plastic pollution in the world’s oceans.

5. The strongest plastic bag can hold up to 20 kg

Standard plastic bags can carry 5–7 kg, but some reinforced types can support up to 20 kg!

Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) bags are known for their strength and durability — that’s why they’re commonly used in supermarkets and grocery stores.

6. Plastic bags have their own “birthday”

International Plastic Bag Free Day is observed every year on July 3. On this day, many countries hold awareness events and campaigns to reduce plastic usage.

The day was first introduced in 2010 as part of a global anti-plastic pollution movement.

7. Humanity uses too many plastic bags — and that’s a real problem

Since their invention in the 1960s, humans have used over 10 trillion plastic bags!

Only 9% of these bags are recycled — the rest end up in landfills or the oceans.

8. The first plastic bags in stores appeared in the 1970s

The first supermarket to offer plastic bags instead of paper ones was in the US in 1977.

Plastic bags quickly became popular due to their light weight, strength, and low cost of production. By 1985, they had completely replaced paper bags in most stores across the US and Europe.

9. Plastic bag weight record — 21.7 kg

The official record was set in the UK in 2014. A low-density polyethylene (LDPE) bag held 21.7 kg without tearing.

This record belongs to a company specializing in industrial bags for transporting bulk materials.

10. China introduced a “plastic bag tax” — and it worked!

In 2008, the Chinese government banned the free distribution of plastic bags in retail stores.

As a result, plastic bag use in the country dropped by 60% within the first year of the ban!

11. India began producing bags made of starch and corn

In 2018, Indian startups introduced biodegradable bags made from natural ingredients like potato starch and corn. These bags decompose fully in soil within 90 days and contain no toxic substances.

Conclusion

Plastic bags are more than just household items — they are an invention with a rich history, offering both benefits and drawbacks. Although they contribute to environmental pollution, responsible usage, recycling, and a shift toward eco-friendly alternatives can help reduce their negative impact on the planet.

Using bags wisely is a step toward protecting nature! 

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