Global retailer H&M recently announced that they will begin shipping online orders in eco-friendly paper packaging instead of plastic envelopes of the past.
Specifically, H&M’s new paper packaging will be made up of Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified paper made in the Netherlands.
The decision comes as part of the fast-fashion company’s sustainability mission, which includes the specific commitment to cut 25% of their packaging by 2025, with a complete replacement of single-use packaging.
H&M Group has an entire page dedicated to their packaging mission, which includes the goals of reducing unnecessary and problematic packaging, such as single-use packaging, innovating and finding new ways to package their products using circular design practices, and finally, re-using and recycling their packaging in a way that is as sustainable as possible. By 2019, H&M Group’s packaging initiative, which began in 2018, had reduced the company’s plastic usage by over 1,000 tonnes.
H&M’s new FSC-certified paper packaging is uncoated, which makes it easier for the consumer to recycle, no matter where they live. Plus, it is smaller in size as it can be packed with minimum air, thus taking up less space and allowing for more deliveries at one time. The packaging is also neutral in design, which will allow it to be used by all brands within H&M Group, such as &Other Stories.
While the introduction of paper packaging for online orders is a step in the right direction, H&M has stated that they will continue to use plastic bags to wrap items within the paper packaging to ensure product safety for the time being. They did also state that they are working towards a more sustainable alternative that will eliminate all plastic usage in the near future.
After a successful pilot program in China, Australia, Sweden, Russia, and the UK, H&M is now rolling out their certified paper packaging globally, which means no matter where you live, you can expect your next H&M order to be delivered in more sustainable materials.
All images in this article are courtesy of H&M.
