Not sure what packaging to choose from? Take the quiz.

TLDR: From the very beginning, we've kept things simple. That extends to our packaging too and for years, we've been working on finding the best solutions to reduce the wastefulness of unnecessary packaging that comes part and parcel with shopping online.

Even while seeking out the lowest impact solutions, we've understood that people will have different methods available to them for dealing with packaging waste.  We want to provide options for our customers and we also wanted to find new innovative solutions, such as reusable packaging that wouldn't need to be thrown away at all. Fast forward to 2021, we now have three different packaging solutions which you can choose from in the checkout.

SWOP Reusable + Returnable Satchels

Not down with disposable? Introducing the very best in responsible packaging  – SWOP (Sustainable Way Of Packaging). Recycled and recyclable, reusable (and naturally, returnable) packaging that can go back and forth time and time and time again without ever needing to be disposed of. That's a lot of Rs.

Let's say 50 uses down the line, it's starting to look worse for wear, the packaging is 100% recyclable. If you'd like to be a part of the future of packaging - just choose SWOP at the checkout. Your order will come with a postage paid address label so you can fold the SWOP pack to envelope size, stick on the returns label and pop it into your local Red Australia Post Box.

Once we get it back, we'll send you a $10 A.BCH credit to use on your next order. A simple swap for traditional packaging.

Home Compostable Satchels

Home compost satchels are lightweight (better for carbon emissions), require much less energy to produce than recycled paper packaging, and when composted at home, can become nutritious worm food or soil to benefit your garden. They are a little flimsier than our super sturdy recycled cardboard and paper satchels, but for domestic orders, this is not such a problem when delivering things like t-shirts and sweaters.

Compostable, however, does not mean you can throw it in your general waste. This satchel should never end up in landfill as it won't break down easily (just like everything else in there). If you don't currently have a home compost system or worm farm, then you can visit Recycling Near You to discover local solutions, like council pickups or local drop off points (hint: save up your satchels and your food scraps and drop them off together). Alternatively, check out this very clever app called Share Waste that helps you find "hosts" for composting nearby. You could also visit Better Packaging Co, our satchel manufacturers who have a tonne more detail on their site about their packaging and why it’s fly.  

 

Recyclable Boxes/Satchels

For those who can't compost or don't have a  compost host nearby, our 100% post consumer waste recycled and recyclable satchels and boxes can be selected. These are also used by default for international orders (for extra protection while travelling across the seas) or delivery of delicate goods. While this packaging is great because pretty much everyone has access to curb-side paper/cardboard recycling, it does have a bigger environmental impact to reclaim, recycle and recycle again due to the energy required for each of these steps than our home compostable satchels do. Still, it's much better than plastic.

Swing Tags

If you've ordered from us recently, you might have noticed something missing? Or maybe you didn't notice at all. I've often wondered what to do with swing tags after purchasing clothes. Can they be recycled? Should I keep them? Isn't it all a bit wasteful? I think that the swing tag is an outdated concept for online businesses. Swing tags might make more sense in a store, but in our digital world, we think we can do better than what's always been done. Right now our A.BCH team are busy developing a digital swing tag that will come with every order. Your digital swing tag and digital care guide can be kept or passed on to someone in the future (say if you purchase it as a gift, pass it on to a sibling or friend or if you re-sell it one day). If you loose your digital swing tag, you can always email us for a re-issue. 

Delicates Wash Bag

All orders, including pickup orders will come with a little gift from us, a GOTS 100% organic cotton delicates bag that you can use to wash your A.BCH pieces and keep them looking fresher for longer. You're welcome. 

Do you have opinions on packaging? Received a ridiculously over packaged parcel before? Drop us a line.