Circular Packaging Models in Apparel Retailing
摘要
Packaging is an important part of apparel retailing because it protects apparel products during transit. In recent times, packaging materials are expected to be visually appealing and represent the brand’s identity rather than protecting the product. Recent research found that 8.3 billion tons of plastic have been produced worldwide since the 1950s of which 60% of it ended up being discarded (Rhodes, Science Progress, 102(3), 218–248, 2019). Packaging materials are mainly made of polyethylene and polypropylene which are technically plastics that have an enormous contribution in producing poly waste that harms the environment. Forming a sustainable solution in packaging, the term 7Rs was coined. The 7Rs provide a thorough framework for a business to move forward with a more circular packaging model. Many businesses have taken up the initiative of following the 7Rs strategy to improve their overall packaging experience and sustainability. For example, Re-pack is an initiative started by many businesses where consumers deliver the packaging material back to the organisation after receiving the product from an online order. Based on this concept, lots of tools have been developed that help companies develop sustainable packaging products with the help of proper channels. One such example is PIQET, which is approved by the “Nation Packaging Corporation” and helps businesses assess their package’s environmental footprint. These tools will also help consumers make informed choices about the purchases they make as they show the impact of the packaging material on the environment. In this chapter, the different types of apparel packaging, materials used, environmental impact, waste generated, sustainable models for packaging like 7R, and sustainable packaging alternatives are discussed.