Top 40 supplier Vantage Apparel (asi/93390) will now package its custom apparel in recycled poly bags as part of its ongoing efforts to reduce its environmental footprint. The 100% recycled bags are made from post-industrial scrap and provide a durable, biodegradable solution to protect garments from dirt and moisture during transit. The new bags are expected to be implemented as early as March, according to the Avenel, NJ company.

“Vantage is excited to take this important step toward sustainability,” said Chief Operating Officer Marc Loeb in a press release. “We will continue to seek efficiencies internally and with production partners … as we work toward our goal to manufacture and ship with the least amount of environmental impact as possible.”

Vantage is working with EcoEnclose, a leading manufacturer of eco-friendly packaging supplies, to source its recycled poly bags. The packaging initiative is part of Vantage’s sustainability strategy, which also includes its Earthwise line of apparel that’s made, in part, with recycled polyester made from post-consumer plastic bottles. Last year, Vantage partnered with 1% for the Planet, pledging to donate 1% of sales from its Earthwise collection to support nonprofits focused on environmental and sustainability causes.

Sustainability has been a major trend in the promotional industry, with a slew of supplier showcasing their eco-conscious efforts and products at trade shows and other venues. Alternative Apparel (asi/34850) recently announced that it would be phasing virgin polyester out of its garments by 2021, switching to 100% recycled polyester. Visstun (asi/49716) has also upped its use of post-consumer recycled fiber in its paper cups, containers and paper lids. Last year, its products contained 35% recycled content.

Vantage ranks 33rd on Counselor’s latest list of top suppliers, with reported 2018 North American promotional products sales of $51.4 million.

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