Sustainability drive: Mainetti launches new hangers, Zalando changes packaging

By

Nigel TAYLOR

Published
Jul 15, 2021

Sustainability is touching every corner of fashion retail, from hanger presentation down to product packaging.

Bringing the latter to market, Europe-centric online fashion giant Zalando is transitioning from plastic shipping bags to fully recyclable paper bags.

Tested in a three-month pilot trial in Sweden, the packaging is being rolled out in all 20 of its markets. By the end of the first quarter in 2022, the company plans to have switched entirely to paper shipping bags. Its introduction is part of Zalando’s goal of eliminating single-use plastic in packaging by 2023. 

Meanwhile, ’supply chain solutions leader’ and hanger giant Mainetti has introduced its Paperform range, “offering retailers a sustainable and renewable” product choice. Made from recycled paper (and steel on request), the hanger is plastic-free and fully recyclable, offered in various hanger styles, says Mainetti. 

Developed over two years and boasting “exceptional functional and mechanical capabilities”, the range is produced using a special high-performance recycled paper using “unique machinery and processing” .

Valid for both transport and display, retail partners “can dispose of the product in an 100% eco-friendly way through domestic recycling systems at the end of its life”.

Hangers have been in the firing line of criticism over unsustainable practices in the fashion sector and such developments could be a huge step forward.