Sustainable Packaging
In 2021, we identified AFTCO products that use plastic packaging and developed a plan to transition to alternative materials. Our goal is to be polybag-free.
Plastic-Free Alternatives
We found that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to plastic-free packaging. By switching to roll packing, shipping some nylons without packaging, and testing alternatives like glassine, we’re on track to reduce polybag usage by approximately 70% by the end of 2025, bringing us closer to our goal of becoming completely polybag-free.
Polybag Size Reduction
For styles still shipped in polybags, we added an extra fold to use smaller bags, reducing single-use plastic by 48%.
Progress Towards Poly Bag-Free Packaging
As an interim measure to address the polybags in our facilities, AFTCO invested in an in-house baler. Polybags and other soft plastics often pose recycling challenges due to their non-recyclable nature at standard facilities. The baler enables us to compact these materials into bales for transport to specialized recycling facilities.
While recycling alone won't solve the plastic problem, we view it as a crucial step forward as we continue our efforts to eliminate poly bags from our supply chain.
The Responsible Packaging Movement
We've set goals to make major shifts towards responsible packaging. That's why we've joined prAna's Responsible Packaging Movement to help get us there.
