Evaluating flat packed garments for sustainable fashion logistics: an Italian case study

The fashion industry plays a significant role in global economic activities but also contributes notably to environmental degradation and climate change, pushing an urgent need for sustainable practices. This study examines the sustainability shift in the retail distribution of clothing items, specifically focusing on the impact of replacing shipments of hanging garments (GOH) with flat packed garments (FPG). By analyzing a case study at a mid-range fashion company located in San Giovanni in Marignano, Rimini (RN), this research assesses the effects of this replacement on economic efficiency and environmental impact reduction. Our findings reveal that transitioning to box packaging not only offers substantial economic benefits, including an improved weight/volume ratio and reduced shipping costs, but also mitigates environmental impact through decreased resource usage in packaging production, disposal and transport operations. This study underscores the importance of reevaluating traditional logistics practices within the fashion industry to address the pressing challenges of climate change and sustainability.