TRIMCO GROUP
Sustainable solutions in fashion and textiles come down to the very last detail, from the materials used in packaging to the thread that attaches your label. Exploring the important role of trims and packaging within the sustainable apparel solution, Trimco Group’s Lone Mogensen, Sustainability Coordinator and Kayleigh Reeve, Business and Sustainability Development Manager, shared their insights with visitors to this winter’s Munich Fabric Start.
During the talk, which took place on 25 January, the team discussed recent updates in legislation and shared findings around three focus areas for sustainable trims and packaging development with the audience: circularity, plastic-free, and use of innovative materials. Based on these focus areas, Trimco has developed a range of innovative brand identity solutions, including new collection ARCH, which responds to the full-circle sustainable solutions that cater to today’s brands.
Driver 1: circularity
With increasing extended producer responsibility (EPR), the demand for easily recyclable packaging is growing fast. Legislation such as the EU Packaging Waste Directive, Italian packaging regulations, and French Waste Decree have increased the urgency for companies to find sustainable solutions accessible to the consumer.
Trims and packaging are key in communicating each product's recycling or repair options and are brought to the forefront through clear signage on labels. Through incorporating QR codes,this data can be updated as regulations change or are introduced, ensuring all information is correct and up to date to encourage effective, accessible circularity best.
Another key element in circularity is using mono-materials. This is essential in supporting a more efficient recycling process, reducing supply chain complexities and sourcing at a product’s start-of-life stage and complicated recycling or repair specifications once the product is no longer fit for purpose.
Trimco’s latest collection, ARCH, shows how signage and QR codes can be incorporated without imposing on design.
Driver 2: plastic-free
The fight to reduce plastic consumption is ongoing and is a pivotal challenge across all industries. Brands are continuing to review their plastic usage to find suitable, sustainable alternatives. Among Trimco’s wide offering of material solutions, Paptic®, an FSC-certified and 100% plastic-free, is an excellent and durable substitute for plastic-based trims and packaging. Made from renewable and biodegradable wood fibres, this material was developed specifically to reduce the use of plastic and can be used to replace any oil-based materials in packaging, especially popular for bags.
The hunt for plastic-free alternatives extends to trims like woven labels and care labels. While cotton is the most popular polyester alternative, Trimco continues exploring cellulose-based, compostable options such as SeaCell™.
Driver 3: innovative materials
The biggest and most interesting areas for brands by far is in the use of innovative materials, due to the engagement and storytelling they provide. They allow brands to start a conversation around their product and show how their offering is unusual or distinct thanks to their innovative, sustainable materials. From eggs shells, to recycled bottles, to coffee grounds, creative opportunity in this sphere is boundless.
Summary
Since 2018, demand for sustainable trims and packaging alternatives has exploded. Alongside this, legislation encouraging recycling and better waste management in packaging has also been implemented internationally. Considering both these factors, scope for innovation in trims and packaging has never been bigger as more brands seek out newer and more sustainable materials and processes with which to develop their products and to make their disposal or reuse easy and available to the consumer. With Trimco, brands can benefit from a range of sustainable trims and packaging solutions that cater to each individual need, from circularity, to plastic-free, to innovative materials.
In case you missed it, check out the talk from Munich Fabric Start here: