Out of all of the climate crisis issues, plastic pollution is one of the most critical conditions that require significant solutions. Less than a fifth of all plastic is recycled globally, reported by National Geographic as one of the facts about plastic pollution in 2018. Europe holds the highest recycling rates by 30 per cent, followed by China in 25 per cent, and United States in just 9 per cent of its plastic trash. But which industry that has the biggest role to join the cause? As one of the main polluters in the world, the fashion industry has a significant role to play in this issue.

Last year, Burberry joined Stella McCartney and H&M in signing the New Plastics Economy Global Commitment, which aims to reduce global fashion waste. The commitment is initiated by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, which works to minimize waste. And just recently, Burberry announced its commitment to making every effort to limit the use of plastic packaging and make it reusable or compostable by 2025.

Burberry’s Effort to Stop Using Plastics Under Its Brand

1. Burberry eliminates the lamination of its shopping bags. The action reduces about 20 tons of plastics. Now, Burberry uses a new packaging that is made from a combination of FSC-certified virgin pulp and fibre from recycled coffee cups.
2. Currently, Burberry bans plastic packaging used to store clothing.
3. It will create a range of compostable hangers by the end of 2019 and will launch a recovery program to allow recycling or reuse. Shoppers will have the opportunity to recycle their unwanted hangers in a take-back scheme.
4. Burberry has also joined forces with Renewable Energy 100, a global initiative made up of more than 100 businesses committed to renewable energy consumption.

Aside from banning the use of plastics in its brand, Burberry also already committed to stop using fur from September 2018.