Why does People Tree pack in plastic?
Good Question - we're glad you thought to ask.

More than 98% of People Tree's products are imported by sea from our Fair Trade producers in the developing world.

That's the right way for a 100% certified organic cotton T-shirt, or a hand-knitted sweater to travel.

The journey is long and will often start in a humid country like Bangladesh before spending 4-8 weeks at sea.

Humidity and damp conditions can create mould, damaging the garment that's been beautifully made using traditional skills and natural, organic materials.

The plastic bag can prevent this, where a paper bag cannot.

People Tree uses plastic bags that are polypropylene, which is the most environmentally friendly packaging available to our producers in developing countries.

It took us years to get polypropylene bags for Fair Trade products in the countryside, as they were considered a 'luxury' - but we are used to fighting for what we believe in.

We would love to use protective biodegradable bags in the future, but they are still rare in the UK.

We could have deceived you of course by throwing away the plastic bag and repacking your garment in brown paper.

Not only is this wasteful but our business is based on genuine sustainability, fairness and honesty, to both our producers and you.

People Tree makes the most sustainable fashion in the world, respecting the people who grow the fibre and make clothes and the environment.

We hope that People Tree's and the producers' ongoing efforts to build a new form of trade, while working to pioneer organic cotton, carbon-neutral hand-production, environmentally friendly dyes and sea freight, justifies the use of the plastic bag protecting your garment.

Unfortunately there is no other way of doing Fair Trade and sustainable fashion.

We will continue to look for ways to improve things for people and the environment and always welcome your comments.