A recent study indicates that a significant majority of senior executives within the fashion industry are committed to eliminating the use of plastic in packaging. Conducted by Aquapak Polymers Ltd., a UK-based developer of biodegradable polymers, the study surveyed 100 senior executives from fashion brands and retailers across the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia. Findings reveal that 88% of participants aim to cease the use of plastic packaging, with 8% planning to achieve this within the next year.
The study, carried out in November 2023, further details that 14% of the respondents intend to eliminate plastic packaging within one to two years, 19% within two to three years, 30% within three to four years, and 28% within four to five years. Concerns about the environmental impact of polybags, such as carrier and garment bags predominantly used for online merchandise, are particularly pronounced, with 48% of those surveyed expressing extreme concern. This is in light of data from Fashion for Good, which estimates the fashion industry’s annual use of polybags at around 180 billion.
Plastic use ranks as the third most significant factor affecting the environmental performance of the businesses surveyed, trailing only behind the energy efficiency of operations and the sourcing of sustainably produced merchandise. In efforts to minimize plastic packaging, 77% of executives reported adopting alternative folding methods for items, 59% have eliminated unnecessary packaging types, and 46% have transitioned to different packaging materials.
Aquapak has responded to the need for sustainable packaging alternatives with the development of Hydropol, a water-soluble, marine-safe polymer. Hydropol offers a viable alternative to traditional plastics, matching their functionality and performance without the environmental drawbacks. The polymer is already being used in products like garment bags, providing durability, clarity, and protection while being compostable and capable of dissolving in hot water without leaving microplastics behind.
Mark Lapping, CEO of Aquapak, emphasized the fashion industry’s commitment to moving away from plastic packaging. He noted that while steps are being taken to reduce plastic dependency, there’s room to accelerate these efforts with existing sustainable materials that offer the same benefits as conventional plastics but without the environmental impact.
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