For many years, thickness has been used as the primary indicator of strength when selecting refuse sacks and bin bags. However, this is misleading.

Advances in polymer technology mean that thinner materials can now deliver superior performance, strength, and stretch compared to thicker traditional plastics.

Performance-based products allow for improved load-bearing capacity while using less material.

Testing has shown that bin bags manufactured using advanced materials and processes can outperform thicker alternatives in drop tests and real-world use.

Drop testing demonstrates that high-performance sacks can withstand loads of up to 25kg, even at lower micron levels.

This shift from thickness to performance supports sustainability by reducing plastic usage while maintaining reliability.

By focusing on performance rather than thickness, manufacturers can reduce the overall amount of plastic used without compromising strength.

This approach supports environmental responsibility while delivering products that meet demanding operational requirements.

Laboratory testing and recognised standards, including CHSA testing, help verify product performance and consistency.

1. A local council tender moved from specifying thickness to specifying performance, resulting in reduced plastic usage and improved sack reliability.

2. An NHS tender adopted performance-based criteria, achieving improved waste handling efficiency and sustainability outcomes.

The results demonstrate that selecting products based on performance delivers better outcomes for users and the environment.

Please make sure you procure performance over thickness.