Metal conveyor belts are less environmentally taxing: While virtually no manufacturing operation is without a carbon footprint, plastic is far more taxing on the environment to produce. Plastics are made from petroleum, which isn't exactly the poster child for sustainability. While the production of metal does result in pollutants, the sector has made strides in recent years. http://www.metallicconveyorbelts.com/metal-converyor-belts/balanced-weave-belts.html

Metal conveyor belts easily meet sanitation requirements: A recall is an enormous headache for those in the food manufacturing industry. Not only can it be extremely expensive, it can also do irreparable damage to a manufacturer's reputation. Metal belts are capable of withstanding the extremely high temperatures and pressure required for sanitation. An additional benefit to metal belts is that they are nonporous. Plastic belts are easily chipped and scratched which can become ideal locations for hazardous chemicals or bacteria.http://www.metallicconveyorbelts.com/metal-converyor-belts/balanced-weave-belts.html