GINA TRICOT GETS RID OF PLASTIC BAGS

The fashion chain Gina Tricot continues to invest in sustainability with a decision this spring to phase out the use of plastic shopping bags in stores, and replacing them with paper bags. The vision is to become more environmentally friendly every single day of the year.This decision brings Gina Tricot one stop closer to becoming plastic-free. All of the proceeds from shopping bag sales will continue to be donated via One Bag Habit, and this year, the recipient is UNICEF.

“Our decision to switch from plastic to paper is based on the fact that the litter from a paper bag in nature decomposes much more quickly than a plastic bag. We also want to help lower the level of pollution from plastics in nature and oceans. We’re continually striving to help create a more sustainable future and this feels like an important step in the right direction,” says Emma Garrote, Global Production and Sustainability Manager.

Gina Tricot’s paper shopping bag is manufactured from recycled white paperboard with the FSC label (i.e. only recycled FSC material). The FSC label guarantees full traceability and that the wood within the product comes from FSC-certified well-managed forests. The new bags are also recyclable, biodegradable and compostable. A large portion of Gina Tricot’s sustainability initiatives include educating customers about more conscientious consumption. It’s important to know, for example, that each time customers reuse their bags, it reduces the environmental impact.

The phase-out of plastic bags is on ongoing project. Stores that still have an inventory of plastic bags will gradually switch to paper bags.