In OTCF, we continuously strive to reduce plastic. So far, we managed to take the following actions:

• In March 2022, we eliminated plastic bags from 4F stores and exchanged them for paper ones.
• In 2022, we started the process of changing the polybags (the packagings that are used to transport the products). Currently, 100% of this plastic film can be recycled. Our goal is, however, not only to make them recyclable but also to make them from recycled materials.
• We are introducing changes in e-commerce packagings as well. In April 2022, we started to ship orders in corrugated boxes, yet we still have in our warehouse some plastic packagings from those times when using them was the most popular practice. According to the PPP rule “first – don’t waste anything”, we decided that instead of utilizing them, we will use them and give them a second life. This solution was recommended by our partner, the Polish Plastics Pact (read the interview with Małgorzata Greszta here).
• In 2022, we also reduced the use of stretch foil in our warehouse and at the same time, we exchanged it for a new, more innovative one*.

* The stretch foil that we use now is delivered by Glopack company. Its production technology allows to reduce thickness of the foil and improves considerably its mechanical properties and efficiency.

1. What’s the goal of OTCF’s cooperation with the PPP?

The goal of our cooperation with the PPP is to reduce the use of plastic in packaging by working on solutions that will help us to reuse it and as a result, reduce the waste. There are three most important courses of action: reducing the use of plastic, innovating and creating a closed-loop for the circulation of plastic packaging.

2. Why did you choose the PPP as your partner?

The Polish Plastics Pact is a platform for cooperation between those companies that want to raise the discussion about the quality of plastic packagings, market saturation and ways of reusing them. The goals of the PPP are in line with those that we have set for our company years ago. Joining it allowed us to exchange our knowledge and experience with other companies as well as benefit from their know-how. Together we can find solutions that will enable us to close the loop in the whole textile industry and make the plastic packagings (if they still will be in use) fully recyclable.

3. What have you done to reduce plastic use so far?

We have reduced plastic in our packagings. We introduced to our stores paper and reusable bags. We have also reduced the use of stretch foil in our warehouse and at the same time, we exchanged it for a new, more innovative one (delivered by Glopack company) that is considerably thinner. Its production technology not only allows to reduce its thickness but also improves considerably its mechanical properties and efficiency.

4. What are the next steps?

The next steps are the reduction of plastic in packagings and its elimination, wherever it’s possible. Where the elimination is impossible, the packaging should be 100% recyclable. We work on introducing modern and sustainable disposal logistics by reusing corrugated boxes as well as segregating and recycling waste collected in our offices and stores. Our goal is to recycle all plastic bags and packagings until 2025.

5. Why do you pack the orders in polybags instead of corrugated boxes? When will it change?

During the warehouse inventory, it turned out that we still have a stock of plastic packagings from those times when using them was the most popular practice. We immediately consulted this case with the Polish Plastics Pact, our partner and advisor in questions related to plastics reduction. Together we decided that instead of utilizing them, we will use them to ship orders and therefore give them a second life. We’d like to emphasize that nothing changes if it comes to our attitude towards plastic – our priority is still its reduction as well as using recycled and recyclable plastic wherever it’s complete elimination is impossible.

6. Can I choose the type of packaging when placing an order?

No, there is no such option at the moment, however, in the future, we don’t rule it out.