The fashion industry generates 26% of total global plastic waste, primarily from packaging. The key challenges include:

• High volumes of single-use plastic waste
• Low recycling rates
• Environmental harm from fossil-based materials

Fashion for Good (FFG) has been researching and piloting sustainable packaging solutions, including circular polybags, reusable packaging models (B2B & B2C), and bio-based alternatives to reduce dependency on virgin plastics and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

Key terms:

• Polybags – clear polyethylene bags used for packaging fashion products.
• Fossil-based plastic – derived from petrochemicals, often non-biodegradable.
• Bio-based plastic – made from renewable plant sources.
• Circular polybag – high-quality recycled content polybags forming a closed-loop system.
• Reusable packaging – packaging designed for multiple uses rather than disposal.
• Compostable packaging – packaging that breaks down under specific conditions.
• Chemical & mechanical recycling – methods to convert used plastics into new materials.