Functionality meets form
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As sustainability becomes an increasingly hot topic within the fashion industry, we reflect on what fashion retailers have done to cut down on packaging waste and pollution.
It all started with plastic bags. From October 2015, all retailers in England with 250 or more employees were required by law to introduce a 5p charge for all single-use plastic bags. The move brought the country in line with existing schemes in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and arguably helped spark a wider national conversation about plastic pollution.
Concerns about our addiction to plastic have only grown since then. Television viewers were left shocked by the final episode of BBC documentary series Blue Planet II, presented by Sir David Attenborough, which showed animals ingesting plastic packaging. The UK government is now mulling a ban of plastic straws, cotton buds and drink stirrers in another attempt to tackle plastic waste.
Fashion retailers have a part to play in this battle against plastic, particularly as the explosion in online orders means an increasing number of products are sent to customers wrapped in layers of plastic and paper.
Fast fashion giant Zara, for example, now delivers its online orders in 100% recycled cardboard boxes made from boxes previously used in stores. The outer bag that protects the boxes is made from 55% recycled plastic.
It all started with plastic bags. From October 2015, all retailers in England with 250 or more employees were required by law to introduce a 5p charge for all single-use plastic bags. The move brought the country in line with existing schemes in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and arguably helped spark a wider national conversation about plastic pollution.
Concerns about our addiction to plastic have only grown since then. Television viewers were left shocked by the final episode of BBC documentary series Blue Planet II, presented by Sir David Attenborough, which showed animals ingesting plastic packaging. The UK government is now mulling a ban of plastic straws, cotton buds and drink stirrers in another attempt to tackle plastic waste.
Fashion retailers have a part to play in this battle against plastic, particularly as the explosion in online orders means an increasing number of products are sent to customers wrapped in layers of plastic and paper.
Fast fashion giant Zara, for example, now delivers its online orders in 100% recycled cardboard boxes made from boxes previously used in stores. The outer bag that protects the boxes is made from 55% recycled plastic.
