How are your products packaged for shipment? Apparel Apparel products are generally packaged in post-consumer recycled (PCR) polymer mailers. If there’s more than one product, after putting each item in its own separate transparent polymer bag, we then place them all together in a PCR polymer mailer. PCR plastics are made from items people recycle every day, like plastic bags and bottles. Most of our PCR plastics are made from shopping bags and wrapping films. The amount of PCR in the packaging differs for each fulfillment location, but it’s at least 50% for the outside (white or grey) poly mailer bags and at least 30% for the inside (clear) bags used in multi-item shipments. As of May 2022, we’re starting to gradually switch to 90%–100% PCR plastic packaging for apparel products in our in-house facilities all over North America. Learn more about the new improved packaging over here. For all DTG apparel orders fulfilled in Australia, we use compostable eco mailers. These mailers have the supplier’s name and composting instructions on them. Apparel orders in the Japanese partner facility are packaged in plastic mailers. Hats Structured and unstructured hats are packaged in corrugated cardboard boxes. Beanies are packed in post-consumer recycled (PCR) polymer mailers just like other apparel items. Accessories In our in-house facilities, we use kraft mailers to pack phone cases. Our partners in Japan use a mix of plastic bags and padded paper envelopes to package phone cases. Sublimated products like socks are packaged in polymer mailers. Home & living Most sublimated items go in post-consumer recycled (PCR) polymer mailers. Mugs, water bottles, tumblers, and candles are packaged in cardboard boxes. To pack stickers, we use kraft envelopes or resealable plastic bags with stay-flat inserts, depending on the location. Similarly, we use kraft envelopes to package greeting cards and postcards. Wall art Canvases and framed posters also come in cardboard boxes ranging in dimensions from 12 × 18 × 2 to 28 × 38 × 6 in. Framed posters are first wrapped in tissue paper to protect them from scratches and then wrapped in a layer of adhesive bubble wrap or a foam pouch. Posters are shipped in triangular kraft boxes to ensure safe delivery and avoid using plastic caps. In several locations, we use stay-flat envelopes for posters in size 8 × 10 in. Orders fulfilled in Australia are packaged in cylinder cardboard tubes.
What does the packing slip look like? Here is the info that gets included on each packing slip: 1. The products included in the order – If an order is split into two shipments (because it contains products that are packaged differently), there will be a note on the packing slip. 2. The return address – By default, we use suppliers address as the return address. Here’s an example of what our packing slip looks like with an added logo and personalized message:
Are our packaging materials sustainable? We know sustainable packaging is important to our customers, and we’re committed to finding the most sustainable solutions we can. As of May 2021, we’ve started using packaging made of post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastics for all apparel orders shipped from our in-house facilities. The share of recycled plastic per bag depends on each facility, but it’s at least 50% for the outside (white or grey) packaging and at least 30% for the inside (clear) bags that are used in multi-item shipments. As of May 2022, we’re starting to gradually switch to 90%–100% PCR plastic packaging for apparel products in our facilities all over North America. PCR packaging protects the products just as well as the virgin plastic bags, and they look almost the same. However, choosing PCR plastic over virgin plastic is the right thing to do to minimize the environmental impact plastic has on our planet. We’re continuously working on becoming more sustainable, and we’ll keep exploring greener packaging options in the future.
Are the packaging materials recyclable? Depending on the product type and fulfillment location, your products are packaged in post-consumer-recycled (PCR) plastic mailers, kraft mailers, or cardboard boxes. Our PCR plastic mailers are made from low-density polyethylene (LDPE), categorized as number 4-coded plastic. This material is recyclable, but number 4-coded plastic doesn’t usually belong in an everyday recycling bin. Typically, it has to be recycled at designated drop-off points. We suggest contacting your local waste management service provider and asking for instructions on sorting 4-coded plastic. Kraft mailers and cardboard boxes are also recyclable and can be sorted in the paper recycling bins. Remember! It’s always good practice to research what kind of materials belong in your recycling bins. If you recycle the wrong material, it can contaminate the entire batch.
How does the German Packaging Act (VerpackG) affect my business? The German Packaging Act (VerpackG) is a German law aimed to reduce the impact of packaging waste on the environment. VerpackG applies to all companies and online retailers who send packaged shipments to Germany. It requires that you pay a fee for the disposal and recycling costs of the packaging you import into Germany. We decided to register in the LUCID system and cover all packaging charges imposed by VerpackG for orders fulfilled by us and imported to Germany, so you don’t have to.