Scotch & Soda partners with TIPA to introduce compostable packaging

Amsterdam-based fashion brand Scotch & Soda is collaborating with TIPA, a company that creates compostable and biodegradable packaging solutions, to introduce sustainable packaging to its supply chain.

The integration of bioplastic TIPA bags is part of Scotch & Soda’s aim to step away from conventional plastic polybags for all product categories by 2025, supporting the brand’s sustainability mission to contribute to environmental protection.

In 2022, a minimum of one million of Scotch & Soda’s garments will be packed in TIPA bioplastic bags. For SS22, TIPA bags will represent 21% of the total product packaging and will be used for high volume items, such as T-shirts, jeans, sweatshirts, jumpers and shirts.

Through its partnership with TIPA, Scotch & Soda hopes to inspire customers to start composting and raise awareness about the environmental impact of both the production and end-of-life of conventional packaging.

Scotch & Soda will also offer customers the opportunity to drop off their bioplastic TIPA bags in selected stores. The brand will work with local waste processors to ensure the bags will go to composting, starting with its two London stores.

TIPA's packaging solutions will offer the same level of protection as conventional polybags but are less dependent on fossil fuels and allow for composting at end of life, as opposed to landfill and incineration.

Bio-based plastics are made from renewable biological resources, such as sugar cane or corn starch. By increasing the use of these renewable feedstocks, Scotch & Soda aims to reduce its reliance on fossil-based resources.

Jelle de Jong, Sustainability Director at Scotch & Soda, said: “We believe there is room for improvement when it comes to the implementation, collection and composting of bioplastic packaging in the fashion industry. By working together with TIPA and local waste processors, we hope a product traditionally considered as waste will through the composting process return nutrients to the soil.”