Package sustainably, design with quality, reduce plastic
The story behind the project
In a market offering a wide variety of packaging options, finding the one sustainable packaging solution for our BÄR shoes is a major challenge. To address this, the Sustainable Packaging Optimization project was launched in February 2020. It began as an assignment for a trainee and, under her leadership, grew into a project involving an enthusiastic team of ten at BÄR. We set out to find the ideal sustainable packaging solution and asked ourselves at every stage of development: “What is good for people and the environment?” It quickly became clear that our new packaging should be sustainable and recyclable while still featuring an elegant design. We compared a wide range of packaging alternatives, all of which were intended to replace plastic components with environmentally friendly paper alternatives. The result speaks for itself: With our new packaging solution, we combine plastic-free components to ship our BÄR shoes to you safely and, above all, sustainably. Bubble mailers, adhesive tape, shoe bags, and strapping were replaced with more environmentally friendly alternatives, and since 2022 we have fully implemented completely plastic-free shipping for our BÄR shoes!
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Shipping box
When shipping our shoes, we will no longer use the plastic strapping that was previously wrapped around the shoe boxes as a closure. The new recycled and recyclable shipping box not only protects the shoe box during transit, but also makes it easier for you to open thanks to its tear strip. If you order multiple pairs of shoes, you will also receive a new shipping box sealed with paper tape. You can use the same box for your return, if necessary.
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Paper adhesive tape
We have replaced the previously used plastic strapping wrapped around the shoebox with paper adhesive tape. Equipped with triple thread reinforcement, it keeps the shipping cartons securely and firmly closed. At the same time, it prevents the shoeboxes from tearing and being damaged during delivery. The paper adhesive tape stands out with its adhesive surface coated with natural rubber, which adheres excellently to the shipping carton.
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Shipping envelope
From now on, you will receive slippers and shoe-care products in recyclable “WaveWrap® packaging.” Plastic bubble mailers have been replaced by an environmentally friendly and innovative shipping envelope . Only one sheet of paper is needed for packaging. Thanks to the natural rubber coating on one side, the contents cannot slip around inside the envelope and will not be damaged during shipment to your home. The packaging is easy to open thanks to a die-cut tear strip.
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Tissue paper
The shoe bags in which the shoes were packaged inside the shoebox have also been replaced with a more environmentally friendly alternative. BÄR shoes are now wrapped in recycled tissue paper and packaged in the shoebox. This prevents the shoes from rubbing against each other, keeps them protected throughout transport to your home, and gives the entire packaging an elegant appearance.
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Filler paper
Our new, eco-friendly recycled paper is certified with the “Blue Angel” ecolabel and is individually sized to fit your order. We take great care to use only as much packing paper as necessary. The packing paper can be reused for other purposes or simply disposed of in the paper recycling. It cushions the shoes in the box so they do not rub against each other on their way to you.
“BÄR alone will not change the world, but every day it will contribute something toward making it better.”
Christof Bär
Managing Director
