-Hydropol™, a marine-safe, recyclable, and biodegradable polymer, is used in new bags as an
alternative to conventional plastics –
-Hydropol™ decomposes without producing dangerous microplastics.
Today, Maxim and N Brown, the inclusive retail platform and owner of the JD Williams, Jacamo, and Simply Be brands, announced a new partnership with Aquapak Polymers Ltd., the creators of HydropolTM, a special polymer that is soluble and non-toxic to aquatic life. Since HydropolTM offers the same functionality and performance as traditional plastic without the related environmental issues, it can be utilized as a substitute in a wide range of packaging applications.
In an effort to reduce plastic waste and avoid confusion regarding recycling, the retailer will start implementing Maxim’s PolymaxTM powered by Hydropol TM packaging for its garment bags for N Brown own-label products in early November. This will make the retailer the largest online user of eco-friendly packaging technology in the fashion industry in the United Kingdom.
In contrast to conventional plastic film, clothing bags manufactured with Hydropol TM can be recycled with food, paper, plastic, and metal without running the danger of becoming contaminated. Customers don’t have to worry about harming the environment or hindering the recycling process by disposing of Hydropol TM packaging in their kerbside recycling, where it will dissolve securely. It can also be disposed of in regular black bins, where it will securely biodegrade. It can even be thoroughly dissolved in warm soapy water and removed in the kitchen sink, which will remove any potentially dangerous microplastics.
Moving to Polymax TM powered by Hydropol TM packaging will significantly reduce the quantity of plastic used in N Brown’s operations in addition to providing consumers with a simpler and more environmentally friendly option to dispose of their packaging. Once all own-brand items adopt the Polymax TM powered by Hydropol TM packaging, it is anticipated that plastic use will be cut in half (44%) as well.
An estimated 25 million tons of traditional, difficult-to-recycle packaging could be kept out of the environment annually 1 if all clothing packaging was made with Polymax TM powered by Hydropol TM packaging.
According to Aquapak Polymers CEO Mark Lapping, “HydropolTM gives fashion retailers the chance to reimagine packaging as we know it.” By moving to the new clothing bags, which offer the best possible protection for clothing and items without endangering the environment, N Brown will almost cut the amount of traditional plastic that is used in half. In order to satisfy the demands of consumers, shareholders, and other stakeholders while drastically lowering the spread of plastic pollution and enhancing their sustainability credentials, we hope that other retailers and brand owners would follow suit.
“We take very seriously minimizing our environmental impact while providing our customers with a high-quality product experience,” stated Sarah Welsh, CEO of Retail at N Brown Group.
Since packaging accounts for a sizable amount of the plastic used in all aspects of our business, it has always been a crucial area for innovation on our part.
“Polymax powered by Hydropol TM is an extremely innovative product that gives us the opportunity to efficiently package our clothing without using traditional plastic and gives our consumers a variety of simple and eco-friendly disposal choices.
“Without sacrificing the caliber of our packaging, this new package will allow us to cut our plastic consumption by 44%. With the full rollout to 100% own-brand items expected to be finished by the end of 2025, we are thrilled for customers to begin getting some own-brand products in this new packaging this autumn.
“We are extremely excited that N Brown Group will become the largest retailer in the UK to use Polymax ® powered by Hydropol TM packaging for their products,” stated Tom Wielicki of Maxim. Because Polymax ® powered by Hydropol TM is completely recyclable, biodegradable, and water soluble, we think it is the answer to the problem of traditional single-use plastic in the fashion packaging industry.
“We hope that N Brown’s decision to choose a more sustainable future for their garment delivery will be followed by other major retailers in the UK.”
