It was not long ago that grocery store attendants asked “paper or plastic?” as you checked out. It was an even shorter time before that when paper was the only option. Now, if you wish to have your groceries bagged in paper, you must request it.
Technological advances of the properties of plastic and its ability to make superior products helped bring it to this market. Plastic bags are stronger, lighter, recycled, recyclable and cheaper. When the consumer had the choice, a vast majority chose the better product. Now, even with that choice limited by economics and consumer preference, the technology of plastic allowed for not only its entry in this market, but its overwhelming market share.