Today, almost no industry can carry out its activities without considering the impact on the environment they have. However, there are sectors for which sustainability and environmental responsibility are particularly critical, such as the fashion industry. It has started to take steps to reduce its environmental impact for two main reasons.
On the one hand, consumers are increasingly aware of the environmental impact of their purchasing decisions, to the extent that the fact that a brand is more or less sustainable influences their final decision. In fact, in a survey conducted by McKinsey, 60% of consumers indicated that they would even be willing to pay more if the product had sustainable packaging.
On the other hand, the fashion industry is one of the most wasteful and polluting industries so far. According to Earth.org, 92 million tons of textile waste are produced every year, and this sector is responsible for almost 10% of global carbon emissions. It is therefore one of the sectors that is taking the most urgent and drastic measures to reduce this negative impact.
There are many actions that can be taken in the fashion industry that have a positive impact on the environment. One such measure is the use of recyclable mannequins.
In fact, mannequins are essential for the presentation of garments in shops, window displays, museums, trade fairs… A high percentage are still made of environmentally harmful materials, such as plastic and fiberglass. However, there are much more sustainable alternatives, such as mannequins made from recycled materials, which are both recyclable and biodegradable.
What are the top five benefits that make recyclable mannequins a conscious and eco-friendly choice?
1. Waste reduction
The mass production of conventional mannequins generates a significant amount of waste, much of which ends up in landfill or requires high-temperature treatment. Opting for mannequins made from recycled materials, such as paper paste, helps to decrease this accumulation because it is reused to make a mannequin instead of injecting new raw materials. In the long term, this simple change can contribute to a cleaner, healthier planet. In addition to using recycled materials, Pasqual Arnella also strives to minimize the environmental impact of its packaging.
2. Saving natural resources
The manufacture of new products always requires the exploitation of natural resources. Whether wood, plastic or metal, every conventional mannequin consumes resources that are often non-renewable. Recyclable mannequins, by making use of materials that have already been used, drastically reduce this demand. This not only conserves direct natural resources, but also protects ecosystems and habitats that could be affected by extraction and production.
3. Lower energy consumption
By reusing materials to create recyclable mannequins, less energy is consumed compared to the production of traditional mannequins made of non-reusable materials. This approach allows for both ecological and economic savings by reducing the use of raw materials and resources for production such as fuel and water, etc.
In the case of Pasqual Arnella, we carry out our production processes with an environmentally friendly approach. We reduce energy consumption costs through practices such as closed-loop water management and the installation of solar panels.
4. Reduction of CO2 emissions
Directly related to the previous point, by consuming less energy, recyclable mannequins also contribute to reducing CO2 emissions. Carbon dioxide is one of the main greenhouse gases responsible for climate change. By opting for greener and more sustainable practices in the manufacture of mannequins, we are actively reducing our carbon footprint and the fight against global warming.
5. Promoting the circular economy
Beyond the direct benefits to the environment, recyclable mannequins promote a change in the industrial mindset. Instead of following a linear “produce, use and dispose” model, recyclable mannequins advocate the circular economy.
In this model, products and materials retain their usefulness and value over time, going through multiple cycles of reuse and recycling. This mentality is not only beneficial for the planet, but can also be economically profitable, by reducing costs associated with the acquisition of new materials and waste management.
An example of this is what we presented at VM Display Show 2023 together with VMI & Partners. Here we demonstrated a circular marketing solution where a VM tool made from recycled material can be reused again and again.
The adoption of recyclable mannequins in the fashion industry is a clear demonstration of how small changes can have a big impact on our environment. These figures have the potential to make a significant difference in reducing the ecological impact of the industry. By choosing recyclable mannequins, we are not only making an aesthetic choice, but also a conscious and responsible decision that benefits our planet.
