Case Study
Helping a Well-known Australian Retailer Transition from Plastic Polybags to FSC Glassine Bags
The Challenge
A large multi store Australian fashion retailer was looking to reduce single-use plastic packaging across its supply chain while maintaining the premium presentation standards expected by both stores and customers.
Traditional plastic distribution garment bags had become increasingly problematic due to:
Recycling challenges associated with soft plastics in stores
Growing consumer expectations around sustainability
Internal ESG and plastic reduction targets
Upcoming packaging regulation changes
The environmental impact of large-scale plastic waste
The retailer required a practical alternative that could integrate smoothly into existing offshore manufacturing and retail operations without disrupting product handling, freight, or store processes.
Pacard’s Solution
Pacard Retail Group partnered closely with the retailer to transition selected product categories from traditional plastic polybags to FSC-certified glassine paper bags.
Glassine was selected as an ideal alternative due to its:
Paper-based construction
Transparency to allow product scanning while packed
Premium presentation with branding and sustainability messaging printed
Recyclability within existing paper streams
Lightweight yet durable performance
Compatibility with large-scale retail supply chains
The bags were developed specifically for apparel retail applications and designed to support both wholesale and retail distribution environments.
Key product features included:
FSC-certified paper
Kerbside recyclable
Naturally compostable
Custom sizing for multiple product categories
Lightweight and efficient for shipping
Printable for branding and communication purposes
Supporting the Transition
One of the key focuses of the project was ensuring the transition could be implemented seamlessly across the retailer’s supply chain and store network.
Pacard worked collaboratively with both offshore suppliers and in-store teams to develop clear implementation guidelines and operational support materials.
This included:
Supplier ordering guides
Product size specifications
Packaging instructions
Store recycling guidelines
Internal education materials for retail teams
Communication tools explaining the environmental benefits of the change
The supplier guidelines were designed to simplify the ordering and integration process for offshore factories while ensuring consistency across the supply chain.
Pacard also assisted in developing store-facing communication materials to help retail teams understand how to handle, recycle, and communicate the new packaging transition to customers.
The project became more than a packaging change, it became an operational sustainability initiative supported across multiple areas of the business.
The Outcome
The transition enabled the retailer to remove approximately 900,000 plastic bags annually from its supply chain, preventing close to 4 tonnes of plastic waste from entering landfill each year.
Beyond the environmental impact, the project also helped the retailer:
Improve packaging recyclability outcomes
Support circular economy initiatives
Strengthen sustainability messaging
Maintain premium brand presentation
Introduce a more natural and elevated packaging aesthetic
Prepare for evolving packaging regulations
Importantly, the solution was implemented without compromising operational efficiency across manufacturing, packing, freight, distribution, or retail presentation.
Why It Worked
Pacard’s approach is built on real retail operational experience.
Rather than simply supplying packaging, we work closely with retailers to develop solutions that are commercially practical, operationally scalable, and aligned with evolving sustainability expectations.
Because our team understands sourcing, manufacturing, retail operations, freight, and supply chain management, we are able to develop packaging systems that work across the entire retail journey, from factory floor to customer experience.
The success of this project demonstrated that sustainable packaging transitions can be achieved successfully at scale when supported by strong operational planning, supplier engagement, and clear communication.
Looking Forward
As retailers continue to reassess packaging systems and reduce reliance on single-use plastics, fibre-based alternatives such as glassine are becoming an increasingly important part of the future retail supply chain.
Pacard Retail Group continues to work with retailers globally to develop scalable packaging solutions designed to reduce plastic waste while supporting modern retail operations.
About Pacard Retail Group
Pacard Retail Group develops fibre-based retail packaging and hanger solutions designed to replace single-use plastics across global supply chains.
Our range includes: FSC paper-based hangers, Glassine bags, Paper hooks and accessories, Retail packaging solutions, Secondary packaging alternatives, Custom printed circular packaging solutions
Built by retailers, for retailers.