Packaging Reuse for Second Hand September

Packaging Reuse for Second Hand September

Second Hand September is an ideal occasion to consider the options for buying second hand, reusing what you have or donating. These sustainable actions provide cost savings and promote creative thinking.

What is Second Hand September?

Second Hand September was launched by Oxfam in 2019 to encourage shoppers to make choices that are kinder to people and the planet. The primary focus is on fashion; buy preloved, restyle wardrobe items and donate unwanted items. However, this is a great time to consider ways to embrace the reuse of all items, including the packaging that your purchases arrive in.

At present, 10% of the average wardrobe is made up of pre-loved clothes. However, more people are donating, buying and selling items. For one thing, this offers a greater choice of colours, patterns and styles, which may not be part of the current season trend. What you wear is a reflection of personality, so not everyone wants to be limited by what’s in the shops.

Learning a few basic sewing skills, to replace buttons, alter hems or restyle clothing can prevent items from being discarded. It can also spark creativity, with embellishments that give garments a new lease of life.

Oxfam reports that if we could all embrace pre-loved fashion and purchase second hand as much as new, it would save energy, water and harmful emissions that are generated in the production of new clothes. A shift in thinking, away from cheap, throw-away, fashion could also improve conditions for workers in the industry.

Reusing Cardboard Boxes

Packaging and postage are essential for online shopping, but they have financial and environmental costs. These can be reduced when packaging is reused.

The reuse of clothing, and the packaging that clothing is delivered in, reduces the volume of waste that ends up in landfill. Councils across the UK raising concerns about limited landfill capacity*, so circular thinking to avoid waste is essential. How can you reduce the packaging used, encourage reuse or refill?

As cardboard packaging suppliers, we have worked with many brands to provide reusable e-commerce packaging. For a start, the use of tear strips and adhesive strips enables the same boxes to be used for sending orders and repackaging returns. This provides a cost-effective, convenient solution for customers. If they keep the items, they can use the box to send parcels to friends or family.

Another option is to apply a beautiful print design to e-commerce boxes and retail packaging. This encourages shoppers to reuse the packaging for storage, as they feel it is too lovely to throw away. Equally, printing templates or ideas for cardboard reuse on your boxes or your website can inspire creativity.

Recycling Cardboard Packaging

Simply opting for cardboard boxes, rather than plastic mailing bags can make a difference for online shops. Cardboard is widely recycled and customers know that, so boxes are put in the right bin, ready for collection. In the recycling process, fibres are broken down and reformed into new cardboard. As a result, they provide a circular packaging solution.

This is a reason why we receive many enquiries and orders from brands that prioritise sustainability, including golf clothing designer, Slycker and BamBamBoo, who specialise in organic baby blankets. The boxes also enhance product presentation and prevent items from getting creased as they bundle up in transit.

Reuse and Recycle this Second Hand September

Vinted, Reluxe, Preloved and Oxfam online are great places to start if you are looking to buy or sell quality clothing online as part of Second Hand September. Alternatively, donations to and purchases from charity shops helps to raise funds for good causes, whilst reducing landfill.

If you’d like to speak to us about reusable boxes, print design or our green credentials, call our team on 01296 436888 or email enquiries@abcbox.co.uk. We are an FSC® certified packaging company, with a commitment to sustainability.

* https://www.letsrecycle.com/news/nottinghamshire-highlights-landfill-capacity-concerns/