[eli5] Why does 99% of everything come in a plastic bag – but flour comes in a paper bag?

Question

[eli5] Why does 99% of everything come in a plastic bag – but flour comes in a paper bag?

In: 26

Answer 1

Flour will “flow” if given the chance; a plastic bag would become a “blop” shape pretty quickly and would be impossible to stack neatly for transportation or on store shelves. Trying to pick it up would be like trying to pick up a grocery bag full of water. You could thicken the plastic and make it rigid to solve this…except now it’s in a solid plastic box, which is going to be more expensive.

Paper is a cheap solution that can be folded and shaped, making the flour easier to ship, easier to stock, and easier for you to pick up.