Eco-friendly Fashion Packaging
The polybag is the staple packaging in the fashion industry. Billions of these plastic bags keep clothing clean in transit. This generates a lot of waste. According to an article on packaging waste, only around 15% of the polybags produced are collected for recycling, the rest are contributing to the plastic problem.
As the fashion industry shifts towards a more environmentally-sensitive approach, more brands are looking for alternative packaging solutions. From bio-degradable starch wraps to paper bags and cardboard boxes filled with printed tissue paper, sustainability is a growing concern in fashion.
Can Fashion be Sustainable?
Seasonal styles and the latest trends mean that fashion is constantly changing. As shoppers, we are encouraged to ditch the old and keep pace with the new. Fashion is transient, clearly at the opposite end of the spectrum to sustainability.
There is plenty of data to show that the textile industry contributes to the pollution of our planet. Wrap research identifies that £140million items of clothing end up in landfill every year. That accounts for 57% of the items produced, with only 8% donated as second-hand goods and 10% being recycled in other industries.
The tide is turning. Fashion for Good is a platform that is actively promoting the sustainability of materials, processes, energy, water, economy and lives within fashion production. With brands including Adidas, Chanel, Stella McCartney and Kering among the corporate partners, it has influence.
Many other brands are now considering ways to minimise the environmental impact of clothing manufacture and packaging. If you thought high-end fashion would never be found in a cardboard box, you will be surprised.
Cardboard Packaging for Clothing
Small boutiques through to leading luxury fashion brands are getting innovative, not just with the latest styles, but with sustainable materials and packaging solutions.
- Tom Dixon has created strong branding with a matt black square with spot varnish branding printed cardboard boxes and carton board bags. Black satin ribbon on the bags completes the look.
- Burberry has created packaging from recycled paper coffee cups, yet the end result looks and feels luxurious.
- Stór men’s clothing is created from natural materials such as organic cotton and the packaging is unbleached, recyclable cardboard.
- Qubic Store wraps goods in plain craft paper and adds a printed cardboard carrying handle.
- Perfect Moments ski and surf-wear brand have opted for simple cardboard packaging and support an organisation dedicated to protecting the arctic habitat of the polar bear.
Sustainable Fashion Materials
Fresh thinking has also been applied to sourcing materials.
- Last year, Adidas launched a range of trainers, including The Alphaedge 4D, which are made from recycled ocean plastics.
- East London Vintage (E.L.V.) and Ksenia Schnaider are two brands sourcing second-hand denim to redesign into new and highly desirable pieces.
- Salvatore Ferragamo created a capsule collection from orange peel fibres, whilst Piñatex, a leather-type material created from pineapple leaves has been used by many designers.
Cardboard Packaging Manufacturers
Aylesbury Box Company has manufactured printed packaging for several clothing brands, including Perfect Moments, renowed ski and surf wear brand. We can design boxes to best suit your product, with print, embossing, foil blocking and spot varnish as some of the possible finishing options.
If you prefer to keep the packaging plain, we can print tissue paper, labels, tags and sleeves to give your boxes the personal touch.
When we designed the t-shirt packaging for one brand, we were able to reduce postal charges, as well as environmental impact. When previously packaged in polybags, the t-shirts had bundled together, classifying them as a small parcel. Our slimline cardboard boxes kept the t-shirts in place. This improved the presentation and ensured that deliveries were always within the letterbox-size large letter charge.
Saving the planet and saving money; it sounds like printed cardboard packaging is just the ticket! If your brand is keen to explore sustainable cardboard packaging options, get in touch with Aylesbury Box Company on 01296 436888 or enquiries@abcbox.co.uk.
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