Digital fashion outlet Otrium has launched a garment refurbishment and repair programme for damaged returns following a pilot scheme.
The initiative is being run in partnership with Bleckmann, a specialist in supply chain management for fashion and lifestyle brands.
Most of the returns that Otrium currently receives can be easily restored and put back on sale. However, in rare cases, returned items are damaged.
“Preventing waste is an important part of Otrium’s DNA, and thanks to our partnership with Bleckmann and their Renewal Workshop team, we can now repair the majority of damaged returns and put them back into circulation,” says Kevin Carolan, Director of Logistics at Otrium.
“We are happy that we can use our position in the fashion supply chain to create lasting change and accelerate towards our mission of reducing the volume of garments that go to landfill.”
Since 2020, Otrium has been exploring refurbishment and repairs with Bleckmann. In April 2023, they started a three-month pilot at Bleckmann’s facility in Almelo, the Netherlands, to expand the programme with a broader range of repairs and optimised processes through data use.
During the pilot, the Renewal Workshop team at Bleckmann refurbished more than 1,000 returned garments, shoes and accessories for Otrium each month.
“With hundreds of high end labels on the platform, we needed an efficient solution tailored to the needs of a wide range of products – from shoes and coats to bags,” says Marlot Kiveron, Head of Sustainability at Otrium.
“The Renewal Workshop team worked closely with us to develop a streamlined and scalable process that could grow in line with our ambitions, delivering like new repairs at the speed of e-commerce. Their combination of purpose, professionalism, agility and expertise makes them the ideal partner for this kind of project.”
Bleckmann’s integrated data capabilities were also crucial to the success of the partnership.
“Data collection and analysis can be vital in demonstrating the commercial viability of sustainability initiatives,” says Tamara Zwart, Director of Renewal at Bleckmann.
“Using our advanced stock tracking systems, we determined that 70% of the renewed Otrium stock had been sold within seven weeks. We’re all delighted with the results.”
Furthermore, carbon tracking software Vaayu calculated that on average, a refurbished return sold on Otrium avoids 2.760kg of carbon emissions and 69g of waste proofing that this programme can have a positive impact on both: the planet and the business.
“This project is a milestone in our sustainability journey,” concluds Marlot.
“It’s a key part of our ongoing commitment to finding more ways to reduce our environmental impact while helping to ensure that more clothes get worn. By the end of 2023, we aim to repair at least 25,000 damaged garments.”
“Together with Bleckmann and their renewal experts, we’re well on our way to proving that this circular business model can be a valuable part of our future growth.”
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