Our Approach to Sustainability at The Blackmarket Lingerie

Sustainability at The Blackmarket isn’t about perfection — it’s about making better choices where we can.

Over time, we’ve made practical changes across how we work, package, and deliver our products to reduce our impact without compromising what we offer.

Here’s what that looks like behind the scenes.

Energy & Operations

We’ve reduced our reliance on non-renewable energy by installing solar panels, supported by a home battery system and electric vehicle.

This allows us to run more of the business on renewable energy and reduce emissions tied to both operations and transport.

Delivery & Local Impact

For local fulfilment, we use electric bikes to transport orders to our Australia Post drop-off point.

We’ve also chosen Australia Post as our delivery partner due to their commitment to carbon neutral delivery services.

It’s not perfect — but it’s a step in the right direction.

Packaging (Where Most Waste Happens)

We’ve focused heavily on reducing packaging waste by keeping things simple and practical. Instead of investing in elaborate, throwaway packaging, we prioritise the quality of what’s inside.

That means less waste — and you’re paying for the product itself, not layers of packaging.

• Tissue paper from recycled sources
• Acid-free dyes
• Recycled boxes and swing tags
• Compostable mailers from Heaps Good

We also work with our suppliers to reduce plastic at the source. Instead of every item being individually wrapped, we request bulk packaging — often receiving multiple sets in a single bag rather than one bag per piece. It’s a small change, but it significantly reduces the amount of plastic moving through the business.

Our mailers are made from plant-based materials and:

• break down within ~180 days in home compost
• ~90 days in commercial compost

We also keep packaging minimal — even if that means it’s not the most “Instagram-worthy” unboxing.

Less waste. More focus on what actually matters.

Waste & Recycling

We actively reduce and manage waste by:

• Recycling soft plastics via Recycle Smart
• Recycling paper and cardboard locally
• Reusing materials wherever possible

We also use second-hand furnishings in our workspace and source pre-loved furnishings and display pieces for expos and setups wherever possible.  This reduces waste and gives materials a second life.

Product Waste

We aim to minimise textile waste wherever possible.

• Faulty items are salvaged where we can
• Materials are repurposed or recycled
• Less is sent to landfill

Small decisions, but they add up.

Responsible Use of AI

We use AI tools across parts of the business, but we’re mindful of how and when we use them.

AI systems require significant energy and resources, so we aim to use them intentionally — not excessively.

That means:

• using AI to support decision-making, not replace it
• avoiding unnecessary or repetitive generation
• focusing on quality over volume
• balancing efficiency with thoughtful use

It’s about using technology as a tool — not overusing it just because we can.

Real People, Not Generated Imagery

We choose to work with real people — our models, photographers, and collaborators — rather than relying on fully AI-generated imagery.

It’s a conscious choice to support real creatives, real bodies, and real representation.

It keeps the work grounded, supports our community, and reflects the kind of brand we want to build.

What This Means for You

Sustainability isn’t something we expect customers to “buy into” — but it’s built into how we operate.

It may mean:

• simpler packaging
• fewer unnecessary extras
• practical over polished

Our focus is on doing better, not just looking better.

We’re not claiming to be perfect — but we are committed to improving.

And we’ll continue to make changes where they make sense for both the business and the environment.