Calvin Klein introduces a recycling label

Dive Brief:

Calvin Klein underwear products will now feature detailed instructions on how to recycle its packaging, according to a press release emailed to Retail Dive.
PVH Corp., the parent company of Calvin Klein, is partnering with How2Recycle, a company that focuses on standardizing labels for the purposes of recycling. PVH Corp. owns other apparel brands including Tommy Hilfiger, Van Heusen and IZOD.
"PVH is blazing the trail by being the first company in the apparel space to commit to featuring accurate, consistent recycling labels on their packaging," said Caroline Cox, project manager at How2Recycle, in a statement.

Dive Insight:

The retail world is paying more attention to issues of sustainability and recycling.

Calvin Klein's latest effort with How2Recycle aims to enhance consumer education by making it clear how to properly recycle packaging. Labels will tell shoppers about each component and if the materials are widely recycled, if the user should consult a local recycling program or if there is a store drop-off station for disposal at a participating retailer.

"As a global apparel company, we recognize that we have a responsibility to reduce waste, and one key way to do so is by minimizing our packaging and making it recyclable," Marissa Pagnani-McGowan, group vice president of corporate responsibility at PVH Corp, said in a statement.

In an effort to conserve natural resources and reduce environmental impact, other retailers are moving forward with similar sustainability efforts. The North Face launched The North Face Renewed last summer, for example, which takes defective, returned or damaged products and resells them at a discount. REI also enhanced its used gear website and made strides to enforce sustainability standards for vendors.

As with reuse and recycling of the actual products, packaging is also in focus. This week a number of CPG companies including Procter & Gamble, Nestle, PepsiCo, Unilever and The Body Shop joined forces to introduce reusable packaging made of stainless steel, durable plastic and glass. Target and Walmart are among the retailers also working with How2Recycle to better manage packaging.