September 8, 2021

INTRODUCING: LEAVE NO TRACE PACKAGING

The plastic crisis facing the planet is causing untold environmental damage and we believe we have a responsibility to ourselves, our customers and the planet to make our packing as sustainable as possible. That’s why we’re delighted to announce that as of October 2020 all new products and any re-stocked items are being sent to you in “LEAVE NO TRACE BAGS”.

 

 

The Problem

 

Single use plastic still makes up half of all plastic products made, and a significant amount of this plastic ends up in our oceans. It’s estimated that currently there are 150 million tonnes of plastic circulating in our oceans and studies show that by 2050, there will be more plastic in our oceans than fish. We need new solutions – and FAST. 

Over the festive season in the UK, our rubbish production also increases by 30%. Equivalent to a massive 3 million tonnes extra! With the shops currently closed, this means it’s even more important for companies operating online to take a responsible approach to packaging. 

 

Our Packing Solution

 

We’ve teamed up with the geniuses at Aquapak who utilising ground breaking technology have developed a packaging solution that can help solve the plastic crisis. It is hugely exciting for us as it solves the question of how we keep your products protected on their journey from our suppliers and factories, to our warehouse and ultimately, to you in a sustainable way. These garment bags are not only biodegradable and water-soluble, but break down harmlessly to non-toxic biomass in soil and sea. It’s a cork popping moment we should all celebrate, as we try in our own way to make a difference to the plastic crisis affecting nature and the world. 

 

 

Bags of benefits, which include: 

 

- They’re non-toxic to marine species and break down into water, carbon dioxide and ‘mineralised biomass’

- They’re biodegradable and water-soluble, dissolving in boiling water – give it a try… just place your bag in the kitchen sink and pour boiling water over it

- Don’t worry if they end up in the bin, they will still biodegrade in landfill

- They’re highly versatile and robust, which is key, because they protect your clothes through shipping and storage

- They help you reduce your plastic footprint

- You can re-use them in different ways

 

How it works 

 

Made from a specially formulated polymer resin using Polyvinylalcohol (PVOH). PVOH is still a polymer, but the major differentiator from traditional plastics is that the material is hydrophilic (i.e. it loves water). This means it breaks down quickly in the marine environment without attracting other toxins or forming microplastics, as traditional polymers would.

As the material degrades, smaller oxidized polymer chains are formed that eventually break down to carbon dioxide and water. The material does not form toxic microplastics or yield any harmful products at any stage of the breakdown and biodegradation process. The ink used is also non-toxic and food-safe, so there are no nasty chemicals produced as the bag breaks down. 

Still with us? Great. 

 

Featured: Carlton Black & Alba Navy Checked Shirt - made from Organic Cotton

 

Paws for thought

 

When you realise how much plastic is in the world and how damaging it can be; it’s a sobering thought. We’ve talked before about how as an individual you can feel powerless to make a difference, but we’re confident that the decisions we make as a community here, together, will have an impact. 

Sadly, one of the many negative by-products of COVID-19 is that it has also led to a surge in the use of single use plastic, which underscores even further the fact that we need better solutions and fast. We’re proud to do our bit, however small, to help reduce the amount of damaging plastic in circulation, so it doesn’t end up in landfill or our oceans. 

For more information visit the Aquapak website - https://www.aquapakpolymers.com/fashion/

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