Hanesbrands actively works to reduce the quantity of materials used in our product packaging and in shipping those products to retailers. We also use recycled and responsibly sourced material in some of our packaging, and we seek to improve the recyclability of our packaging materials and cut down the amount of waste that goes to landfills.

By shrinking package sizes and switching to a lighter-gauge film for several of our core, high-volume products, we will save an estimated 160 tons of plastic film each year, which corresponds to more than 2,600 barrels of oil and more than 380 tons of CO2 avoided annually.

  • When updating packaging graphics for five-packs of undershirts, we changed the fold method of the shirts to reduce the bag width by a half-inch. Similarly, we changed how we fold socks to reduce the bag size.
  • In 2010, we will begin using a lighter-gauge film for much of our packaging. The lighter-gauge film will reduce the waste generated from packaging by 20 percent, as well as result in significant cost savings.

Our paper packaging suppliers use paper certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, an independent organization that promotes responsible forest management. We are also incorporating recycled paper into some of our packaging.

  • The paperboard found in 10 million packages annually of L’eggs® hosiery is 100 percent post-consumer recycled material.
  • All corrugated cardboard used in our packaging is made with 35 to 40 percent recycled paper.

We work to reduce or even eliminate packaging material that would end up in landfills, and to improve the recyclability of existing packaging material.

  • We eliminated cardboard inserts in packages of men’s briefs, saving thousands of trees a year.
  • We assembled an internal team with a directive to lower obsolescence in printed packaging. This team examined ways to reduce the amount of obsolete or discontinued packaging that we send to landfills. Focusing on purchasing practices and flexible package designs prevented the disposal of 49 tons of packaging materials and saved $334,000.
  • Packages shipped to retail customers inside large containers traditionally have been double-wrapped to assist with unloading. We now collaborate with our retail store customers to reduce the number of times a product is packaged inside a container.
  • We took advantage of the smaller packages for men’s undershirts and briefs to redesign shipping cases to fit more efficiently into large shipping containers. With this change, we can fit 23 percent more crew-neck undershirts per container – reducing the energy needed to transport goods to market.
  • We are reducing the use of metallic inks and foils in our plastic packaging to allow for easy recycling after use. In 2009, we lowered the number of packages using metallic inks from 39 to 30. In 2010, we will further reduce this count to 15, and we plan to completely eliminate metallic inks by 2011.

We are seeking to do more. Our R&D scientists are assessing the feasibility of using biodegradable plastic bags that would not clog landfills after use.