With its latest environmentally friendly innovation, the Vorarlberg-based packaging developer PackSolutions aims to bring a „green breeze“ to the textile industry: A multifunctional bag made of recycled PET developed for the internationally active Swiss underwear manufacturer Calida replaces the single-use plastic polybag packaging that is otherwise common in the textile industry. All raw materials and the production of the newly designed packaging are „Made in Europe“.
The traditional company Calida, headquartered in Switzerland, was looking for attractive, but above all sustainable packaging for its nightwear sets. Packaging specialist PackSolutions realised a new packaging idea for this and developed a versatile packaging solution, Reusable, washable and printable mesh bag with zip made from 100 per cent recycled PET, which can be realised in all sizes. The cardboard for the inlay and the banderole are FSC-certified in the interests of sustainable forestry.
The market launch of the new packaging product in 2024 was preceded by an intensive development process. This is because the requirements that packaging has to fulfil along the entire supply chain are high.
„Calida told us that the entire packaging, including the raw materials, must come from Europe and must also be processed here - and, of course, at an acceptable price. However, our search has always taken us outside of Europe, which is why we soon moved away from organic cotton and the like in favour of recycled plastic.“
Andreas Zupan-Eugster, PackSolutions
For example, a 0.5 litre PET bottle is sufficient to produce a laundry bag. In addition to their purpose as packaging, the multifunctional bags are also suitable for other applications, for example to protect laundry in the washing machine or as sorting, vegetable or travelling bags. Another advantage of the innovation is its weight. „The Multifunctional bags weigh only half as much as previous poly packaging of our nightwear. This weight saving has a positive effect on the transport volume and thus also protects the environment in this respect,“ explains Janine Weiz-Bühler from Calida.
Intensive partner search in Europe
Another challenge was the search for the suitable manufacturers and processors in Europe. In the end, PackSolutions gained a material recycler as a partner who weaves the mesh fabric for the packaging from recycled PET and supplies it in bales. A sewing shop produces the multifunctional bags, including zips, to size and attaches the various customisable labels. Finally, they are taken to the Calida production facility for packaging.
After several weeks of testing in pop-up stores and extensive customer surveys on the appearance, benefits and quality of the packaging, Calida's success was clear: „The items carefully packaged in the reusable laundry bags are very popular. Very well received internationally. This is why Calida has also comprehensively extended the original test order - a further vote of confidence for which we are grateful,“ emphasises Andreas Zupan-Eugster.
Source: PackSolutions
