More than 9 in 10 Italian adults would rather their clothing deliveries be sent in compostable bags.
A new poll has revealed that a vast majority of Italian adults would prefer clothing deliveries to be packaged in compostable bags rather than conventional plastic bags.
Some 86 percent of consumers expressed concern about the plastic waste generated by retailer polybags - the plastic packaging used to protect clothing for shipment or delivery.
A further 9 in 10 say they would prefer brands to use environmentally friendly alternatives, with some 92 percent stating that they would prefer compostable packaging to be used rather than conventional plastic bags.
The poll, commissioned by Tipa and conducted by Norstat throughout September 2021, comprised a nationally representative sample of 1080 Italian adults.
It is thought that some 150 billion plastic polybags are produced each year, most of which single-use, unrecyclable bags used to protect clothing transported either from factory to store, or to homes in e-commerce deliveries.
During Milan Fashion Week in September this year, a three-day event was held in tandem to discuss The Sustainability Pledge, brokered by the UNECE. Working with policymakers, businesses, academics and NGOs, a toolbox to ensure sustainability in the garment and footwear sector has been created, including recommendations to increase transparency and traceability. Packaging, however, received little attention.
Tipa and Santini, one of TIPA Italy’s partners argue that fully circular packaging is a key factor in ensuring the sustainability of the industry’s supply chains, and the Government must encourage transparency on plastic packaging use and encourage the use of sustainable materials, including compostables, as alternatives to ensure brands make the switch.
The consumer demand is there, said Annalisa Nissola, sales director for Italy at Tipa. She noted that the Italian fashion industry is well positioned to lead the change for sustainable supply chains, including shifting from plastic packaging to fully circular alternatives including compostables.
“We’re here to facilitate the transition for more brands, and to work with the Government to put the parameters in place that ensure packaging sustainability becomes a key part of the efforts to encourage circularity in the industry,” she said.
The survey has shown that consumers are demanding compostable packaging and the industry need to listen, added Paola Santini, marketing manager at Santini Cycling Wear.
Tipa's compostable packaging solutions are designed to break down within months under compost conditions just like any organic matter. The company’s packaging solutions are currently being implemented worldwide by leading global brands in Europe, Australia, and the US.