From Trail to Packaging: How SYSUM Aligns Sustainability with Performance
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?
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?
We were actively searching for an environmentally sustainable alternative to conventional plastic packaging—something that would reflect our values and support our commitment to protecting the natural world. While many solutions claimed to be eco-friendly, few met our standards for sustainability throughout the product’s lifecycle.
Paptic® materials stood out because they are wood based, made from renewable raw materials, and can be easily recycled with paperboard. This made them a responsible, future-forward choice that aligns with our environmental goals—without compromising on performance or aesthetics.
How did you first hear about our materials?
I discovered Paptic while searching online for sustainable garment bag solutions. I also found that Paptic offers a range of materials for different applications, and we’re now planning to use Paptic for our mailer bags as well.
What specific qualities of our materials stood out to you compared to other options?
Paptic’s garment bag solution stood out immediately. It is wood-based and noticeably more durable than conventional paper, with a natural, organic feel that softens and becomes almost fabric-like with use. The material is also recyclable with paperboard, supporting a circular approach to packaging. It aligns perfectly with our values—allowing us to deliver products in a way that reflects our commitment to environmental responsibility.
How does sustainability play a role in your company’s overall strategy?
Sustainability is central to everything we do. The wilderness is our playground, and we’re deeply committed to protecting it. We understand the inherent contradiction in producing goods—particularly in the performance apparel space where plastics are still common. That’s why we’re committed to making responsible choices: in the materials we use, the partners we work with, and how we manufacture and ship our products.
Our goal is to build high-quality, purpose-driven items designed to last, reducing the need for consumers to continually replace their gear.
Choosing the right packaging was a major consideration for us. Paptic is a perfect choice for our needs and we’re proud to partner with a company that shares our values.
To learn more about SYSUM, visit: www.sysumrunning.com