An integral part of the broader sustainability commitment undertaken by Dolce&Gabbana, is represented by the target aimed to reduce single-use virgin plastic in packaging by 50% by 2025, and to completely phase it out by 2030. In this regard, it has been developed a systematic approach to gradually transition the packaging towards lower-impact and circular practices, inspired by the principles of the 4R framework: Reduce, Reuse, Recover, Recycle. All these elements will be further strengthened namely packaging Certification.
1. REDUCE
Key principles:
– Eliminate unnecessary packaging, whenever possible, to reduce resource usage and minimize waste.
– Decrease packaging weight and volume, optimizing transportation efficiency without compromising packaging quality or durability.
– Avoid single-use plastics for both industrial and consumer packaging.
Dolce&Gabbana Achievements to date
Dolce&Gabbana has already phased out plastic usage in various product categories, including gift boxes, stickers, ribbons not only in its Apparel, Shoes, Leathers and Home packaging but also in the packaging for junior products.
The Brand is now extending its commitment to reduce virgin plastic across all remaining retail categories, such as switching to cotton handles and ribbons for shopping bags, using recycled plastics for garment covers, and revamping accessory packaging.
Regarding industrial packaging, Dolce&Gabbana aims to fully eliminate heat-shrinking plastic films from packaging by 2025, thus significantly reducing plastic usage in packaging.
Starting in 2023 fall, the use of a new machine will be adopted for laying ready-to-wear (RTW) garments that will avoid the use of plastic material; this process will also be extended to hanging RTW garments.
Furthermore, the Brand also set the target to remove magnets from gift boxes by FY2024, to reduce packaging volumes, and explore lower-impact alternatives to polyethylene foam for DG Casa products, while keeping ensuring full product’s protection.
2. REUSE
Key principles:
– Prioritize durable product packaging to extend its lifespan and enhance customer value.
– Increase the reuse of industrial packaging to reduce resource consumption.
Dolce&Gabbana Achievements to date
Dolce&Gabbana’s packaging, both the industrial and the retail one, is crafted from high-quality materials and designed to be reused. Iconic shopping bags and metal boxes are realized with long-lasting materials to ensure their durability.
Additionally, Dolce&Gabbana Beauty is actively developing refillable packaging options for its products, set to launch in 2024, with the aim to maximize reusability and sustainability.
3. RECOVER
Key principles:
– Implement recovery initiatives both for consumers and at the industrial levels.
– Develop upcycling projects to reclaim and repurpose packaging waste.
Dolce&Gabbana Achievements to date
Dolce&Gabbana is actively engaged in several 100% Made in Italy upcycling initiatives aimed at reducing wastes. In the realm of one of these upcycling processes, implemented in collaboration with a strategic supplier, 100% of cotton waste was recovered, turning it into premium-quality paper for underwear packaging.
Furthermore, Dolce&Gabbana is actively exploring the use of textile scraps to create fabric bags and pouches, providing lower-impact storage solutions for shoes.
4. RECYCLE
Key principles:
– Adopt recycled, recyclable, renewable, and compostable materials for both product and industrial packaging.
– Opt for 100% recyclable packaging thus avoiding multilayer materials.
– Eliminate the use of hazardous substances that could pose risks to human and environmental health during recycling processes.
– Provide transparent information about sustainability features and guidelines for proper packaging disposal.
Dolce&Gabbana Achievements to date
Dolce&Gabbana is committed to use 100% recycled plastic for retail packaging by FY2025 and is working towards achieving 100% recyclability of its materials.
The tertiary packaging used for logistical purposes is made of 80% recycled cardboard and is 100% recyclable.
5. CERTIFICATION
Key principles:
– Choose third-party certified materials to guarantee consistency, transparency, and market recognition of sustainability claims (e.g., Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), Fairmined).
Dolce&Gabbana Achievements to date
All of Dolce&Gabbana Beauty’s paper and cardboard packaging is already FSC Certified, and retail paper and cardboard packaging will be 100% FSC certified by 2025.
