Retailers (and brides) will know that garment covers are an essential element in protecting dresses before and after the big day. However, traditionally they’re not the most eco-friendly item in terms of composition. Thankfully, product developments mean that more sustainable options are becoming available in the UK – enter stage garment covering experts Hoesh International, who will be meeting boutiques and bridal industry colleagues at Bridal Week Harrogate.

Background…

With a desire to create a more sustainable offering, the company’s director, Milan Chauhan, started to research some innovative solutions for a more environmentally responsible product. “The turning point came when the office began receiving numerous inquiries about more sustainable options,” says the company’s Ravi Chudasama. “This clear consumer interest highlighted a market gap and prompted Milan to explore materials that could lessen the industry’s ecological impact. Recycled plastic bottles emerged as an ideal solution, as they not only repurposed waste but also offered durability and versatility in design.”

The idea evolved through a process of research and development, where Milan and his team experimented with different methods of converting recycled plastic into high-quality garment covers. They focused on ensuring that the final products were not just eco-friendly but also functional and aesthetically pleasing, meeting the demands of both retailers and consumers.

Insight on: Sourcing

“Sourcing, processing, and manufacturing recycled materials can present a variety of challenges,” explains Ravi, who tells us about some of the processes. One key challenge was the limited availability of recycled materials, particularly in specific regions. To address this, Hoesh established partnerships with multiple suppliers and implemented stringent quality control measures. Another issue was finding adequate processing facilities; Hoesh overcame this by conducting thorough research and investing in partnerships, including multiple visits to China and India to find the right factories.

Maintaining quality standards and managing costs were also significant hurdles. Inconsistencies in recycled stock posed challenges in maintaining product integrity, which Hoesh managed by implementing rigorous testing and refining their sorting and processing methods. The higher cost of using recycled materials compared to virgin ones was mitigated by exploring innovative processing technologies and seeking government incentives.

Education & awareness

As well as offering eco-aware products, Hoesh recognised the need to be open and clear about the reasons why sustainability is so important. With this in mind, they have a series of initiatives to help the industry know the facts behind their products and the business benefits of being more eco-friendly. “We will publish a series of articles that cover various aspects of sustainability, including the importance of recycling, the environmental impact of single-use products, and the long-term benefits of using recycled materials,” says Ravi. In addition, Hoesh will offer a number of case studies to read, run targeted campaigns on social media focused on education and promote user-generated content – where customers can share their experiences and be part of a like-minded community.

In the future

Hoesh International has exciting plans to expand its sustainable product line, focusing on innovation and sustainability. Future initiatives may include exploring new eco-friendly materials and developing innovative designs that minimise even more waste during production.

Hoesh also aims to enhance its sustainability impact through partnerships with organisations dedicated to eco-friendly initiatives and by engaging consumers through education about the benefits of recycled materials like RPET. Additionally, they are committed to improving product durability to reduce waste and promote sustainable choices among customers. “Sharing case studies of successful sustainable bridal collections can serve as inspiration for others in the industry to adopt similar practices,” says Ravi. “By taking these steps, Hoesh International can contribute to a shift in the bridal fashion and garment industry towards more sustainable practices, fostering a culture of responsibility and care for both people and the planet.”