TIPA® compostable packaging

Introducing TIPA® compostable packaging

The next time you order from us, it may arrive in a bioplastic bag from TIPA®. These bags are an alternative to conventional plastic, are fully compostable and made to biodegrade. Designed to protect your garments, they are made from 20% bio-based plastic (derived from corn starch and sugar cane) and 80% fossil-based plastic, made to fully disintegrate in three to six months. Starting with Spring Summer 2022, 21% of the collections will be packed in TIPA® bioplastic bags. We aim to step away from conventional plastic polybags for all product groups by 2025 at the latest. Implementing alternatives to conventional packaging solutions is part of our sustainability mission to make a contribution to environmental protection. Read on to find out more about this innovative packaging solution and how to home compost.

WHY DO WE NEED PACKAGING?

Garments are packaged to protect them from water and handling, in order to make sure they arrive at your home in the best possible condition. Polybags made of polyethylene (PE) – a polymer derived from fossil fuels – used to be the best option. However, on average 24%* of global non-fibre plastic consumption is incinerated while 58%* ends up in landfill and natural ecosystems, taking hundreds of years to break down. And so we looked towards alternatives, because there are now innovative materials like TIPA® bags that offer the same level of protection but are less reliant on fossil fuels and allow for composting at end of life, as opposed to landfill and incineration only. We've started to implement TIPA® compostable bags into our supply chain as a first step to replacing conventional polybags.

*Source: Geyer, R. Et al. (2017). Production, use, and fate of all plastics ever made. Science Advances (Recycling rates of non-fiber plastics). Report documents that 58% of global non-fibre plastic is discarded, 24% incinerated and 18% recycled.

WHO IS TIPA®?

Inspired by nature, TIPA® provides fully compostable packaging that is designed to break down within months under compost conditions, just like any organic matter. TIPA® packaging offers solutions for conventional plastic alternatives in the food and fashion industries and is built to fit existing machinery and supply chains. At Scotch & Soda, partnering with innovators like TIPA® enables us to implement alternatives to conventional materials.

WHAT IS THE TIPA® BAG MADE FROM?

Produced in Germany, our TIPA® bag is made from 20% bio-based plastic – derived from corn starch and sugar cane – and 80% fossil-based plastic. We're currently working together with TIPA® to improve the bio-based contents of these compostable bags.

COMPOSTING MADE EASY

Composting is a great – and easy! – way to reduce your own organic waste that might otherwise end up in landfill. Organic material, like vegetable peels or coffee grounds, can be composted at home, breaking down into fertiliser for your garden, balcony or house plants. Our bioplastic bag from TIPA® is also fully compostable and complies with European standards for home composting, visible via TUV OK compost HOME and the Seedling logos. With an active and healthy compost heap, the TIPA® bag will disintegrate within six months.

No compost heap? No problem. To start your compost journey, all you need is a compost bin – you can make your own or buy a ready-made unit – a mixture of green fresh waste and brown leafy, earthy materials, a little water, air and some patience. Alternatively, check with your local waste authorities whether they accept bioplastics in their organic waste streams or find a community composting project. Please know you can't put your TIPA® bag in plastic recycling – a final option would be to dispose of it with the regular waste.

STORE DROP-OFF:

Live in the London area? Drop off your TIPA® bag in one of our two stores and we'll compost it for you. And you'll soon be able to do the same in some of our Amsterdam, Paris and New York locations in 2022.

COMPOST IN FOUR STEPS:

STEP 1: Make your TIPA® bag ready to compost (remove the barcode sticker and perforated strip, then cut up for easier composting)

STEP 2: Add it to your home composting, OR community composting if they accept TIPA® bags

STEP 3: Keep feeding and tending to your compost as usual

STEP 4: Use your freshly made compost in your garden, or donate it to a community garden

Questions about our TIPA® bags? Just send us a message via our contact form.