We already use eco-friendly packaging that is partially made from PCR plastic in many of our facilities, but the amount of PCR content varies between locations. For example, the plastic bags used for individual items in the order were previously made from only 30% PCR material in our US fulfillment centers. That’s why, to make our sustainable packaging more consistent, we’re switching all our North American apparel orders to packaging with a 90–100% share of PCR plastic content.

We decided to start with North America since it’s our biggest market, and our European locations are already using eco-friendly packaging with 70–100% PCR plastic content. Over time, we’ll continue to introduce gradual changes to packaging across all our locations.

This change brings us one step closer to our sustainability goals since recycled content saves raw materials and requires less energy to produce, which is important to our customers and our team.

Why did we choose PCR plastic?

When looking for the best solution for apparel orders, we considered several sustainable packaging types: bioplastic, compostable plastic, PCR plastic, and kraft mailers (paper bags). Each option has its benefits, meaning, what works for one product category might not work for another.

Biodegradable and compostable plastic packaging

Biodegradable and compostable plastic might seem like the obvious choice to many since it’s made from plant-based materials, which would make for compostable packaging. While it looks like regular plastic and has similar qualities, it usually has very different sorting and recycling guidelines.

While plant-based packaging solutions have many benefits, certain types can have very complicated recycling journeys. Some products made from biodegradable plastic can be composted at home, some need to be composted industrially, and some can even be disposed of along with regular plastic. This makes the recycling process confusing and brings challenges to customers and recyclers alike.