Plastic bags are used for a wide variety of purposes in almost all the existing industries. Plastic bags are in common use by the shopkeepers to give away their products.

Plastic shopping bags look very much the same in all the countries except for the material thickness and the shop's logo on the bag. This is a good advertising tactic wherein the shop manages to provide free advertising to anyone that happens to look at the shopping plastic bag. Since they are light and easier to carry, most shoppers also prefer carrying the items that they purchase in plastic bags as compared to the bulky shopping bags while on a shopping spree. They are not stiff or heavy and can hold more items than paper bags.

Plastic shopping bags are used in almost all shops selling practically any item. Since they are cheaper and available in bulk, everything from electronic goods to food can be carried in these. There is no chance of the items getting wet if it rains as long as the product is in a plastic bag. This could be a big advantage particularly in case of electronics as they are in the danger of being damaged if they get wet.

Since plastic bags are lightweight with excellent durability and are useful to carry books or machinery from one place to another. Also, since they are not in a stiff shape, items in all shapes and forms can be arranged inside for easy carrying. However, liquid items are liable to spill if not arranged in a proper manner. If the bag is stuffed, the chances of the handle breaking due to the weight increase because the handles are usually thin and cannot bear excessive weight.

One major disadvantage of plastic shopping bags is the disposal. Plastic is not easily biodegradable, and hence very harmful to the environment. Too much plastic litter is the cause of many environmental problems. Also, since the production of the bags is faster and in larger numbers than the rate at which they are degraded, more harm than use is being produced to the environment because of plastic bags and other plastic products.

Recycling is an option being considered to encounter this problem. However, this is not possible with all shopping bags, so the problem still persists and must be given some serious thought.