Paper instead of plastic in the store?

How much more sustainable is it to pack the sweater in a paper bag instead of a plastic one?
The answer is: it depends.
Because whether paper is better than plastic depends on many factors: the raw material of the paper or plastic in question, the printing, the packaging and, of course, above all, the lifespan of the bag.
So why are so many companies starting with this measure of all things?
Because it makes a good impression on consumers. But where should fashion companies that want to make a relevant contribution to greater sustainability start? Successful sustainability strategies start where the need for action is greatest.
These are the areas with the greatest negative social and environmental impact, which contradict the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) defined as important by the UN.
The reduction of greenhouse gas emissions is particularly urgent, as expressed in the Paris Agreement of 2015.
For the fashion industry, life cycle assessments show that the greatest negative impacts on the environment and human rights are caused during the production of raw fibers, yarn production, spinning, dyeing and finishing.
Specifically, SDGs 1 “Eradicate poverty”, 3 “Good health and well-being”, 6 “Clean water and sanitation”, 7 “Affordable and clean energy”, 13 “Climate action”, 14 “Life below water” and 15 “Life on land” are massively violated (study “Measuring Fashion”, Quantis 2018). Consequently, successful sustainability strategies also start here because they can realize the greatest possible improvements in these areas. The negative effects of packaging and transportation (as long as it is not by plane) are not as significant as those of the textile production phases mentioned above.
Their contribution to greater sustainability is therefore comparatively smaller and less significant.
Of course, these improvements are also welcome if they are implemented as one measure among many others. [print_link]

Köhler, Stüdeli & Partner GmbH
Amthausgasse 18
3011 Bern
+41 31 560 00 24
info@koest.ch

How to find us

> Location map
The agency is located in the old town of Bern at Amthausgasse 18. The entrance is in Amthausgässchen (4th floor), to the side of the Diagonal restaurant.

Köhler, Stüdeli & Partner GmbH can be reached in a few minutes on foot from Bern main station (Schauplatzgasse-Bundesplatz-Amthausgasse).

The Casino parking lot at the Hotel Bellevue is in the immediate vicinity.
The Federal Department of Home Affairs (FDHA) is located directly opposite (Inselgasse).

"We want to help ensure that social changes have an impact on political decisions."