Apparel brands are facing growing pressure to align their operations with sustainable values. One of the most impactful areas to address? Packaging. Not just because of aesthetics or brand image—but because what you choose to ship your products in directly affects waste, recyclability, and customer experience.
So what is the best sustainable packaging for shipping apparel? The answer depends on your business model, shipping volume, fulfillment workflow, and sustainability goals. But here’s what you need to know to make the right choice.
1. Recycled Poly Mailers: The Versatile Favorite
Recycled poly mailers are made from post-consumer waste (PCW), giving plastic a second life instead of letting it end up in a landfill. They’re lightweight, weather-resistant, and cost-effective for brands that ship high volumes of soft goods like t-shirts, leggings, or accessories.
Why it works:
-
Made from 100% recycled materials (often 50–100% post-consumer content)
-
Durable and water-resistant
-
Lower carbon footprint per unit than many alternatives
-
Available with dual-seal strips for returns
Best for: Brands that ship primarily soft apparel items in flexible, compact formats.
Sustainability Tip: Look for mailers certified by the Global Recycled Standard (GRS) and add clear disposal instructions to help customers recycle correctly where thin-film collection is available.
2. Compostable Mailers: For Brands With a Biobased Focus
Made from renewable materials like cornstarch or PLA, compostable mailers break down in commercial or home composting environments.
Why it works:
-
Made from renewable plant-based inputs
-
Breaks down without leaving microplastics
-
Lightweight and flexible, just like plastic mailers
Best for: Brands targeting eco-conscious consumers and willing to educate buyers on proper composting practices.
Sustainability Tip: Compostable doesn’t mean it will compost properly in a landfill. Make sure your packaging is clearly labeled with disposal instructions and educate your customers on access to composting options.
3. Paper Mailers: The Curbside-Recyclable Option
Paper mailers—especially those made from recycled kraft paper—are an excellent alternative to plastic if you’re looking for packaging that customers can easily recycle at home.
Why it works:
-
Curbside recyclable in most U.S. municipalities
-
Available in flat or gusseted styles
-
Strong enough for folded garments
-
Made from 100% recycled fiber
Best for: Brands that prioritize plastic-free solutions and simple disposal for their end customers.
Sustainability Tip: Avoid excessive printing or lamination, which can compromise recyclability. A minimalist design goes a long way in both aesthetics and impact.
4. Apparel Bags for Internal Use: Reimagining the Polybag
Most brands still individually wrap garments in clear polybags—but alternatives are emerging that offer the same product protection in a more sustainable format.
Options include:
-
Ocea Bags™ – A water-resistant, curb-side recyclable paper bag with a smooth finish and semi-translucent appearance; ideal for brands transitioning away from plastic.
-
Compostable Garment Bags – Made from compostable films, these poly bags have a semi-translucent, frosted appearance with a soft finish.
-
Recycled Poly Garment Bags – Great for preserving clarity while reducing virgin plastic use.
Best for: Brands with retail partners or 3PLs that require individual units to be bagged.
Sustainability Tip: If you’re required to use clear bags, opt for recycled content and communicate clearly with suppliers and warehouses to avoid unnecessary overpackaging.
5. Boxes: For Larger or More Delicate Orders
For multi-item orders or premium products with breakable components, rigid or corrugated boxes may be necessary. Fortunately, boxes made from recycled paperboard or corrugated cardboard are widely available—and fully curbside recyclable.
Why it works:
-
Protects bulk or delicate items
-
Can be custom sized to reduce material waste
-
Easily recyclable in residential streams
Best for: Larger shipments, luxury pieces, or those prone to damage in transit.
Sustainability Tip: Skip the plastic tape. Paper-based tape with a water-activated adhesive keeps your box fully recyclable. Or consider tear strips for your boxes.
Final Thoughts: There’s No One-Size-Fits-All
The “best” sustainable packaging for shipping apparel depends on your operational needs and customer expectations. At EcoPackables, we work with apparel brands to design packaging systems that align with both. From recycled poly to compostable films to cutting-edge paper solutions, we offer materials and formats that support circularity without compromising performance.
Want to explore your options?
We’re here to help you find a packaging system that’s cost-efficient, logistics-friendly, and better for the planet.