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Celebrating Our 2023 Milestones and Looking Ahead

"Otrium's mission is that all produced clothes are worn. While we celebrate the milestones achieved so far, we remain committed to continuously elevating our performance and propelling positive transformation in the fashion industry."

7 AUGUST 2024
At Otrium, we're thrilled to share the progress we've made in 2023 and to reaffirm our commitment to creating a positive impact in the fashion world. This year, we assessed the development across four priorities of our impact strategy: extending the life cycle of fashion, climate & nature, inspiring better choices, and responsible leadership. While these achievements are a source of pride, we’re even more excited about our plans for continuous improvement.
Curious about our success, ongoing efforts, challenges, and plans for the future? Read Otrium's 2023 Impact Report!
Here’s a summary of the must-know insights:
  1. Extending the life cycle of fashion
Otrium’s main goal is to fight textile waste by finding new homes for unsold fashion items. In 2023, we made great strides:
- We resold 3,5 million past-season clothing items through our Customer-Facing Platform and rerouted an additional 1,145,922 goods using the B2B Marketplace.
- We donated 7,074 garments to local communities.
- About 50% of the damaged items were repaired using the Renewed Repairs Service.
- We reproduced 200,571 best-selling items for outlets, basing our decisions on data and using excess fabrics for smaller collections - though this reproduction is a small part of our business compared to the industry average (5.5% versus 25-60%).
All in all, we exceeded our goal of expanding our services to save 25,000 pieces. While we chose to postpone the launch of the Environmental Recovery Value B2B platform, we did create an internal dashboard that showcases carbon emissions avoided and waste saved per item, as well as conducted our most extensive research on impacts with findings set for release in 2024.
2. Climate & nature
We aim to reduce our carbon emissions in line with the Science Based Targets initiative.
In 2023, Otrium’s team worked on cutting 50% of emissions per item by introducing initiatives such as made-to-measure packaging, optimised packaging materials use, solar-powered warehouses, and new couriers. However, our total emissions increased, mostly due to the transition to a new emissions accounting methodology and the warehouse move. We have also built a real-time carbon dashboard for measuring our greenhouse gas emissions and prepared Science Based Targets, which are to be set in 2024.
3. Inspiring you to make better choices
We want to empower you to make smarter choices through our partnership with Good On You (GOY)
Last year, we rated all fashion companies on our platform using GOY assessment and increased revenue from the “ethically rated” brands to 26.42%. Our brands were also given access to GOY’s Good Measures - an online hub to boost their environmental and social performance. Currently, we're working on expanding the information provided about the “ethically rated” brands on our platform.
4. Responsible leadership
Responsible business leadership is crucial for fostering positive social and environmental impacts. In the past, we’ve set up an internal team to oversee our Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) efforts and used feedback from our stakeholders to shape our strategy.
In 2023, we also created an ESG dashboard to track key metrics and initiated an impact-focused approach across the company by assigning specific responsibilities related to environmental, social, and governance goals across various teams.
Want to learn more? Check out our 2023 Impact Report for a detailed look at our progress, challenges, and future plans. You can also review our 2022 and 2021 impact reports.

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Otrium's 2022 Impact Report has landed

Outlet fashion platform Otrium measures avoided carbon emissions and waste with carbon-calculating software VaayuExperience the report at undefinedOtrium, a purpose-driven fashion outlet platform, publishes a comprehensive analysis of the avoided carbon emissions and waste of modern off-price business models with the support of Vaayu, the climate tech start-up. Vaayu used its  proprietary AI and machine learning technology, alongside its team of in-house Life Cycle Assessment  experts, to gather  insights from over 45 fashion brands (both available on and off Otrium) and data from almost five million fashion products live on Otrium to calculate carbon at a granular science-based level. The research explores the broader role that modern outlet business models like Otrium can play in contributing to a more circular fashion industry by providing an alternative to waste streams for unsold stock. It represents a new contribution to understanding the end-of-life phase of fashion products as one of the largest data sets on unsold stock practices. In 2022, based on these calculations, Otrium prevented 6,496 tonnes of carbon emissions (CO₂e) and 104 tonnes of waste by providing fashion brands with a profitable solution to clear unsold inventory, compared to an alternative scenario in which off-price businesses like Otrium do not exist. That’s the equivalent of 2,219 round-trip flights between Amsterdam to NYC for one passenger (undefined) or throwing away 130,524 pairs of jeans (Vaayu database, undefined).Otrium partners with over 400 fashion brands like Mara Hoffman, Everlane, Outerknown and CLOSED to reach new consumers for every item of clothing produced and extend the life of their collections. Now, with the help of  Vaayu, Otrium has access to live carbon tracking at a product and brand level, enabling the business to monitor across transactions and use this data to drive real-time decision-making around impact. Envisioning a future where all clothing produced is worn, and no new clothing ends up in landfills, Otrium aims to empower its brand partners to take a more demand-focused approach to production and innovative ways to reach new consumers. Through data-sharing and customer insights, Otrium encourages more accurate forecasting. To support its five million members globally in making informed choices outside trend and seasonal models, Otrium is working with sustainable and ethical brand rating organisation, Good On You, which benchmarks the brands on Otrium based on their social and environmental impact. Otrium also revalues damaged items like returns, repairs them and feeds them back into the cycle.Says Co-Founder, Max Klijnstra, “We founded Otrium to play a part in reshaping how fashion is produced and ultimately sold. Our business model is a first step in solving the growing challenge of unsold inventory. As a next step, the results from our Otrium 2022 Impact Report  will inform and strengthen our sustainability strategy and climate targets. We will also use it to transparently communicate our progress with our community, brand partners and the fashion industry. At Otrium, we will be working steadily towards improving our impact one step at a time.” Says Marlot Kiveron, Head of Sustainability at Otrium, “Our ultimate goal is to have a net positive impact. This means giving back more than we take through our business model, and operations. Creating impact is constant. The goal of this report is to measure our progress and to stay accountable by sharing this externally. Understanding the impact of both our business model as well as our operations in real-time, helps us to accelerate positive change.”Says Namrata Sandhu,  Co-Founder and CEO of Vaayu, “We’re at an inflection point when it comes to the climate and new research shows that we’re currently not on track to keep global warming below 1.5C. Retailers have long been transitioning reactively; thinking about systems change and circularity, and wanting to truly understand and lower their impact. But Vaayu actually enables them to work proactively, by harnessing our generative AI and machine learning technology to calculate emissions in real-time, and then lowering them using these science-backed insights. Our work with Otrium is the first of its kind to investigate the carbon emission and waste saving potential of off-price business models.”To explore Otrium’s interactive 2022 Impact Report please click undefined.
Otrium, the leading digital outlet transforming how consumers buy end-of-season fashion, debuts on Fast Company’s prestigious 2023 undefined after a year of explosive growth. Each year, the American magazine’s editors search the world for the perfect blend of the next generation of trailblazers and decade-defining disruptors. We’re solidifying our rising star status – joining the ranks of disruptors like Airbnb, Ralph Lauren, Apple & more.Otrium is changing how fashion is created and sold, challenging industry norms around overconsumption and overproduction. The outlet with a mission wants a future where every item of clothing produced is worn. Otrium empowers over 300 brands to responsibly sell excess inventory, connecting them to a community of five million consumers – and counting. Otrium has seen revenue jump of 1000% year over year and members grow at a speed of 500%. “The conversation around what to do with excess inventory in fashion has never been more timely or critical,” says Zuraihah Scott Washington, President and Chief Operating Officer. “Otrium is eliminating unsold inventory and changing the way fashion is created and sold. Through our mission to transform the end-of-season segment through technology, we’re flipping the traditional fashion industry model that relies heavily on seasonality, trend, physical retail, or stock buyers. With every item we sell, we divert textile waste away from countries like Ghana and Chile which often end up burned or in landfills.” Otrium’s free, members-only platform allows consumers to unlock exclusive access to high-quality brands like Belstaff, Mara Hoffman, APL, All Saints and Everlane for a fraction of the price – while educating consumers on the positive impact of their choices. “Our platform elevates the off-price experience for discerning brands and consumers alike,” says Washington. “Consumers want thoughtful solutions and options amidst increasing economic and climate uncertainty.” “57 percent of our community tell us they prioritize buying off-season instead of new off the rack,” elaborates Washington. “Otrium is enabling new consumer shopping experiences by offering what we like to call ‘second chance’  vs. second hand inventory seen in resale models.”  No item is left behind. Otrium ultimately connects its brand partners with preferred stock buyers and local charities for the small amount of pieces that can’t be sold through its consumer platform, optimizing a partner’s recovery value.“The ocean of possibility is blue – and we know Otrium is driving the change,” says Milan Daniels, co-founder, speaking from New York City. “While off-price fashion sales are still predominantly taking place offline, the market represents a $200 billion opportunity. By 2030, we expect our playground  to be worth as much as $480 billion  – and no new clothing in landfills.”In 2022 alone, Otrium matched over 5 million garments with new owners.
"Otrium: Shaping the Future of Off-Price Fashion""" At Otrium, we are on a mission to revolutionize the off-price fashion industry, tackling the challenge of unsold inventory and ensuring that every piece of clothing finds its a a loving owner. Through our innovative technology, we have created a platform where over 400 brands can manage their excess stock, while providing fashion enthusiasts with incredible prices and an unparalleled selection. The Otrium Story: Our founders, Milan Daniels and Max Klijnstra, experienced firsthand the frustration of dealing with unsold inventory in their own sweater brand. Recognizing that this was a widespread issue, they embarked on a quest to find a better solution. Traditional methods fell short, inspiring them to create a tech-enabled marketplace. Otrium's Approach: Our approach empowers brands to open their own online outlet stores, granting them control over discounting, visibility, and merchandising. Through our platform, every garment is connected with its potential owner, optimizing conversion rates through dynamic pricing and refurbishment stations for damaged items. The Power of Polish & Match: At Otrium, we are dedicated to reducing unsold inventory, and our commitment is reflected in our Polish & Match approach. Each item that arrives at our warehouses undergoes meticulous review and enhancements to maximize its appeal. This includes professional photography, compelling product descriptions, and ensuring garments are in impeccable condition. Empowering Women and Embracing Equity: At Otrium, we don't just revolutionize fashion; we champion equality and inclusivity. With a team comprised of 53% women, including many women in leadership roles, we prioritize diversity and empowerment. We actively support initiatives advocating for gender equality in technology and digital education. A Smarter, Sustainable Fashion Industry: Otrium envisions a fashion industry where every piece of clothing produced serves its purpose: to be cherished and worn by a caring owner, eliminating waste and reducing fashion's environmental impact. By harnessing data-led technology and implementing sustainable practices, we are leading the way in transforming fashion into a more sustainable space. Otrium's journey to revolutionize the fashion industry and ensure that every garment fulfills its purpose sets an example for the entire industry to reevaluate its approach to overproduction. With our managed marketplace, tech-enabled platform, and unwavering commitment to sustainability benefit both brands and fashion lovers alike. By embracing equity, empowering women, and leveraging technology for positive change, Otrium is shaping a future where fashion is smarter, more inclusive, and sustainable. Together, we can create a world where every piece of clothing produced is cherished and worn with pride.

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