Advantages and disadvantages of using polyethene

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Plastic shopping bags made from poly(ethane)

Advantages

1. Simple properties e.g. strong, low density, water resistant

2. Bags can be reused

3. Money charged for bags can encourage reuse

4. Poly(ethane) bags can be recycled

5. Poly(ethane) bags can be burned to generate electricity

Disadvantages

1. Older bags can take many years to biodegrade

2. There is a shortage of landfill sites

3. Bags are made from crude oil which is a non- renewable resource.

4. Large amounts of energy are needed for the production of poly(ethane)

5. Production of poly(ethane) releases carbon dioxide, which causes global warming.

6. Burning bag releases carbon dioxide which causes global warming.