When making purchases, it's crucial to consciously think about the packaging used as it accounts for almost one-third of consumer waste. While we acknowledge the significance of buying durable clothing and following slow fashion principles, it's essential to recognize the crucial role that packaging plays.
Research indicates that the packaging industry consumes a considerable amount of virgin paper and plastic globally. Packaging accounts for 50% of paper and 40% of plastic production annually. However, only 36% of municipal solid waste comprises packaging waste from all industries.
Future of Fashion Packaging
Over the last decade, the fashion sector has experienced steady growth, emerging as the largest e-commerce market segment. This industry's worth is currently estimated to be over $520 billion per year, projected to increase by nearly 10% annually to over $1 trillion by 2022.
Thankfully, there has been a shift towards sustainable packaging, which involves the use of recyclable, reusable, or easily renewable materials. This is an encouraging development, as it allows for a reduction in carbon footprint while shopping for oneself or for gifts.
What packaging materials are good for the environment?
When it comes to alternative packaging solutions, several options are available that are both environmentally friendly and effective. These include:
Paper: One of the most versatile and widely used packaging materials, paper is not only biodegradable and recyclable but also reusable. Most of the paper packaging we see in our daily lives is made from recycled paper.
Corn starch: Packing peanuts, also known as protective packaging, can be made using corn or plant starch material instead of plastic bubble wrap. Starch-made packing peanuts are fully biodegradable and offer a great alternative to traditional plastic packaging.
Cardboard: Unlike laminated cardboard, non-laminated cardboard decomposes easily and is an excellent eco-friendly alternative.
Bagasse paper: This unique packaging material is made from the extracted juice of sugarcane fiber pulp. Bagasse paper could be a replacement for traditional paper packaging and use it for apparel packaging instead.
Corrugated Cardboard Bubble Wrap: Corrugated cardboard bubble wrap is a better alternative. Although it may not resemble traditional bubble wrap, it fulfills the same purpose without harming the planet. It is made from recycled cardboard and can be recycled or biodegraded.
Mushroom Packaging: Instead of using non-recyclable Styrofoam for shipping clothes, companies can use mushroom-based packaging made from a mix of hemp fiber and mycelium. It's compostable and eco-friendly and Ikea is one of the companies utilizing such packaging.
Organic Fabric: An organic cotton is an eco-friendly option for reusable bags that is free of pesticides and GMO. These bags can be used for clothing, grocery shopping, storage, travel, and gift wrapping.
Acid-Free Paper: Acid-free paper, made without lignin or sulfur, is the best type of paper for packaging. All wastewater and byproducts from its products can be recycled, and the paper itself is easily recyclable.
The Rise of Compostable Packaging
Companies are working on reducing fashion's impact on the environment. Composting is one solution gaining popularity. Compostable materials break down in optimal conditions, while biodegradable materials break down over time.
Companies like TIPA are creating 100% compostable alternatives to plastic for packaging, promoting better end-of-life options. Some companies are also exploring compostable alternatives to materials like leather.
Stella McCartney made a collection with mushroom leather in 2001, and now MycoWorks produces mushroom leather too. While people talk a lot about sustainable fibers, the packaging is getting more attention lately. Recycling is hard for flexible packaging, so only 4% of recyclable packaging was actually recycled last year.
Michael Wass from TIPA thinks compostable packaging is a better solution because it turns into something valuable at the end of its life. Recyclers often can't sell the things they collect. TIPA creates compostable packaging by using certified compostable polymers and has gained support from popular brands such as Scotch & Soda and Gabriela Hearst.
Unlike conventional plastic bags, compostable packaging can be easily broken down into organic materials, providing a sustainable solution to litter. It can be composted at home or in a facility. While scaling a compostable company presents challenges, TIPA has found an eco-friendly approach to doing so.
Compostable packaging offers a sustainable solution to litter as it easily breaks down into organic materials and can be composted at home or in a facility. Although scaling a compostable company can present challenges, TIPA has discovered an eco-friendly approach.
Why embrace eco-friendly packaging?
The production, use, as well as disposal of single-use plastics, have negative environmental impacts throughout the entire process, from sourcing raw materials to waste treatment. To minimize these impacts, switching to eco-packaging is a viable solution.
Packaging manufacturers and businesses have a crucial role to play in making environmentally-friendly packaging mainstream. With plastic pollution increasing rapidly, industries must reduce or completely eliminate plastic use.
The Sustainable Packaging Coalition outlines the benefits of sustainable packaging for the environment and society:
Safe and healthy for people and communities throughout its life cycle.
Sourced, manufactured, transported, and recycled using renewable energy.
Sustainable packaging meets market requirements for cost and performance.
Eco-packaging is designed to optimize materials and energy usage.
Recovered and reused in closed-loop cycles in biological and/or industrial contexts.
Uses recycled or renewable source materials as much as possible.
The manufacturing process for eco-packaging items employs clean production technologies and ethical practices.
Sustainable Packaging Is The Future
To sum up, sustainable packaging provides several advantages to both the environment and society, such as promoting health and safety, using renewable energy, optimizing resource usage, and practicing responsible manufacturing.
By embracing sustainable packaging and integrating it into your brand's identity, you can not only benefit the planet but also boost your business. Research indicates that eco-friendly packaging can increase net sales for brand owners by 2 to 4 percent.
As more and more consumers, especially millennials, become environmentally conscious, they are actively seeking out businesses that prioritize sustainability. This means that eco-friendly packaging has become a vital component of the overall brand experience.
ForestPackage for Sustainable Packaging Needs
At ForestPackage, we're passionate about transforming the act of shipping products from a mundane task to a memorable experience. We believe that every package should leave a lasting impression and ignite a sense of excitement and joy in the recipient.
After all, shipping clothes isn't just about getting them from point A to point B. It's about crafting a journey for your products that showcases your brand and elevates the entire customer experience.
With so much options available, ForestPackage is here to help you design a shipping strategy that will delight your customers and leave a positive impact every step of the way.
When making purchases, it's crucial to consciously think about the packaging used as it accounts for almost one-third of consumer waste. While we acknowledge the significance of buying durable clothing and following slow fashion principles, it's essential to recognize the crucial role that packaging plays.
Michael Wass from TIPA thinks compostable packaging is a better solution because it turns into something valuable at the end of its life. Recyclers often can't sell the things they collect.
