How SYSUM Uses Sustainable Packaging to Align Product and Purpose with Paptic®
Born from the rugged trails of the British wilderness, SYSUM is a brand rooted in minimalism, endurance, and a deep respect for nature. In this interview, we speak with Wayne Holland from SYSUM about their commitment to sustainability, their thoughtful approach to product and packaging design, and why they chose Paptic® for their garment bags.
Can you provide a brief overview of your company and the range of products you offer?
Wayne: SYSUM is a trail and adventure running brand born from a love of the rugged British wilderness. We create minimalist, purpose-built clothing that inspires exploration and connection with nature.
Our initial range includes lightweight thermo layering tees made from premium Merino blends, trail-optimised shorts designed for long-distance comfort, and essential accessories that enhance performance on any terrain. Each product is meticulously crafted to provide comfort, durability, and functionality, no matter the conditions.
What motivated you to choose our materials for your garment bags?
Wayne: The main reason was that we wanted a swop for the traditional plastic poly bags, widely used in the apparel industry. I looked into many alternative solutions, including biodegradable and plant-based options. However, most of these solutions either have a harmful start or end of life. Some only biodegrade under specific circumstances, which isn’t realistic and places a lot of responsibility on the consumer.
The fact that Paptic® is made from recyclable and renewable materials, with less negative impact on the environment, was a real draw. Unlike plastic, it wont be around for 100’s of years and can be widely recycled at the curbside when its served its usefulness.
How did you first hear about our materials?
Wayne: I came across Paptic® online while searching for sustainable garment bag solutions. I also discovered that Paptic® offers other materials for different purposes, and we hope to use Paptic® for our mailer bags going forward.
What specific qualities of our materials stood out to you compared to other options?
Wayne: Paptic’s solution for garment bags really stood out to us. It’s fibre-based but far sturdier than paper, with a beautiful organic feel that softens and becomes almost fabric-like during use. It truly aligns with our brand, allowing us to deliver products in a way that connects with nature.
How does sustainability play a role in your company’s overall strategy?
Wayne: Sustainability plays a big part in our company. The wilderness is our playground, and we are committed to protecting it. We’re not blind to the fact that creating products contradicts the essence of this — especially in the athletic clothing space, where plastics still play a significant role. Our promise is to make responsible choices when it comes to the fabrics and factories we work with, the locations we produce in, and how we ship our products. We believe in building high-quality, purpose-driven products that are made to last — reducing the need for consumers to buy more.
Choosing the right packaging was a major consideration for us. Finding a solution that is renewable and easily recyclable was exactly what we set out to achieve, and we’re honored to be working with Paptic® to make it happen.