South African retailer Woolworths has launched its first RE: brand standalone store in the Menlyn shopping centre, in Pretoria, introducing a specialised mannequin produced from natural plant fibres and bioresin – a first for the South African retail environment.

The retailer said the mannequins were the result of over three years of research and development and the materials were sourced from an Asian indigenous sustainable source.

In line with the RE: brand’s reputation as the authority on sustainability, the production of the mannequins also used a higher level of recyclable and biodegradable raw material content.

“When compared to conventional fibreglass mannequins the eco-mannequin has up to 20% less styrene content. There is also less mineral content as glass fibres have been replaced by natural plant fibres. Where required, it can be finished in a biodegradable water-based coating.

“We’ve focused on a green store strategy for a number of years encompassing store design and fittings, including using recycled content in our trolleys, baskets and hangers, so this is really the next step on our journey,” Woolworths sustainability head Justin Smith said.

Woolworths, in a bid to ensure that it met sustainability initiative, the Good Business Journey’s, target of a globally reduced carbon footprint, ensured the use of the mannequin material was 45% to 55% biodegradable as opposed to a fibreglass mannequin that is not biodegradable.

It also provided a reduction in carbon dioxide equivalent emissions of about 60% over a conventional fibreglass mannequin and allowed for more opportunities for recycling at the end of life. Alternatively, it could be burned to provide energy, with a calculated calorific value that was higher than wood or paper.

The test standard for these criteria was measured over 28 days and there was an expectation that it would reach 80% biodegradability over a longer period of about five years.