Eco-garment bags – are they making a sustainable difference?

Eco-garment bags – are they making a sustainable difference?

The fashion industry is undergoing a significant shift towards sustainability. After a period of stalling during the pandemic, the drive to protect our planet has never been more prominent.

With global packaging waste accounting for 40% of total waste (and the clothing and textiles industry contributing 11%), the garment industry has a clear responsibility to reduce its environmental footprint.

A logical starting point? Rethinking garment packaging.

The role of polybags in the apparel industry

Polybags are a cornerstone of the garment supply chain. These simple, lightweight, transparent plastic bags protect garments during transit, provide space-efficient packaging, and allow for instant product identification.

They can be customised with branding, closures, and safety warnings. They mould perfectly to garments, ensuring minimal space wastage during transport.

Here’s why polybags are so critical to the Apparel Industry:

Protection

Each garment is individually packed in a polybag to shield it from the inevitable challenges of global shipping. Whether dust, dirt, moisture, or general wear and tear during long-haul journeys (think Asia to Europe), polybags play a key role in ensuring garments arrive in pristine condition.

Transportability

Freight costs are at an all-time high, with charges based on weight and volume. Polybags are lightweight and space-efficient, helping brands avoid excessive shipping costs while maximising the number of garments transported.

Transparency

Their transparent design is more than a convenience – it’s a necessity. Polybags allow for labels, tags, stickers, and even the garments themselves to be quickly checked without the need to unpack. This ensures efficiency and accuracy at every stage of the supply chain.

Customisation

Polybags are highly versatile. From size and branding to safety warnings and closures, they can be customised to meet different garments and markets’ unique needs. This flexibility makes them an indispensable packaging tool.

Flexibility

Polybags optimise space during packing and shipping by moulding perfectly around garments. This flexibility ensures maximum efficiency, reducing waste and making them even more appealing to logistics teams.

Why change is necessary

While polybags deliver undeniable benefits, their environmental impact cannot be ignored. Improper disposal of traditional plastic bags contributes to pollution, raising concerns about their role in sustainability efforts.

Fortunately, the industry is evolving. Governments are introducing measures like the UK’s Plastic Packaging Tax, pushing businesses to seek greener alternatives. At immago, we’re staying ahead of the curve by offering eco-friendly solutions that retain the benefits of polybags while reducing their environmental footprint.

Sustainable garment bag alternatives

Fortunately, the market for eco-friendly garment bags is growing rapidly. Here are some of the most promising options being embraced by industry leaders:

Compostable Garment Bags: Designed to break down within months, these bags are suitable for both home and industrial composting.

Recycled LDPE and CPE Materials: These alternatives repurpose pre- and post-consumer waste to create durable, soft, frosted bags, reducing reliance on virgin plastics.

Glassine Paper Bags: Made entirely from paper, these bags are strong, transparent, recyclable, and moisture-resistant, offering a viable alternative to plastic.

FSC® Certified Paper Options: Sourced from responsibly managed forests, these paper-based solutions ensure environmental and social sustainability.

Water-Soluble Bags: Although not new technology, water-soluble bags have been refined to dissolve completely in water, leaving no trace behind.

Honeycomb lined paper: Ideal for protective, 100% paper courier satchels.

Paper Bags with Bubble Lining: Combining paper exteriors with compostable bubble linings, these options offer enhanced protection for delicate garments.

Are these alternatives making a difference?

Yes, and the uptake is growing. Many alternatives now match the performance of traditional polybags while their costs continue to decrease as adoption scales. Brands actively explore these solutions, spurred by consumer demand and a collective industry push towards sustainability.

Swapping to eco-friendly garment bags offers a tangible way for businesses to reduce their environmental impact without compromising functionality.

Immago’s range of sustainable packaging solutions provides a robust starting point for businesses looking to make this transition.

Next steps for your sustainability journey

The shift to sustainable garment bags is just one part of a broader push towards eco-conscious practices in the apparel industry. If you’re ready to explore how these solutions can work for your business, browse immago’s sustainability catalogue or contact one of our global offices.

Our experienced teams are more than happy to advise and guide on your poly bag replacement path, or indeed your sustainability goals as a whole.

Together, we can build a more sustainable future for the fashion industry – one garment bag at a time.