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Dopper
February 4, 2021

Did you know it’s near impossible to find socks that don’t contain plastic? It has something to do with the fit, we’re told by Bernd Hausmann, founder and CEO of sustainable (r)etailer Glore.

Every month, we dive into the sustainability efforts of one of the companies that’s joined the Dopper Wave, promising to ban single-use water bottles.

This month, we gave Glore a call. To talk about a plastic-free office and being part of a movement. And about socks.

Glore (pronounced as in Dory) is your globally responsible fashion store. Founded in 2006, the company offers products that are manufactured with respect for both people and nature. Which is a challenge. “The fashion industry is difficult”, Bernd says.

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It’s also complex. For example, is 100% plastic better than half organic material/half plastic, because you can’t recycle the latter? And can fashion ever be sustainable given the waste and pollution it creates? By asking difficult questions not only about plastic but also about fair prices, living wages, and more, Glore aims to change the industry – from within.

Changing the industry. And the world.

Think that’s impressive? There’s more. Glore don’t just see themselves changing the textile industry, but also as part of a movement that makes the world better. That means things like reducing their own carbon footprint and encouraging employees to participate in Fridays For Future during office hours. And having an office that has never used disposable water bottles. Ever.

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Fifteen years without single-use bottles

That’s right, these Wavemakers of the Month haven’t had a single-use plastic bottle in their office in nearly 15 years. You may applaud now. Similarly, they don’t use plastic packaging, reuse their shipping materials, their tape is plastic-free and they’ve even found an alternative for those plastic binder clips that hold stacks of paper together.

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And it doesn’t end yet. To make sure the team stays healthy and happy as well as sustainable, Glore’s office is equipped with a fully functioning kitchen. Every day, one or two people wander over to the organic supermarket, score some ingredients – free of plastic packaging, obviously – and cook a vegetarian or vegan lunch for their colleagues. Oh, and if anyone gets thirsty they can enjoy some refreshing tap water from the reusable Dopper every Glore employee receives when joining. Sign us up.

Signing the Dopper Wave Speaking of signing (see what we did there?), after having been a member of our PET-free community for years, last year Glore renewed their promise to ban single-use plastic water bottles by signing the Dopper Wave. Effectively promising to ban something they never used in the first place, yes.

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So why sign the pledge? “It’s nice to be part of a movement like that”, Bernd explains. “We want to support companies like Dopper who campaign for important issues, so more people will become aware. We do the same in the textile industry, we get involved in things that matter to help inspire others.”

Back to the socks

Remember we mentioned most socks contain plastic? It’s an anecdote that perfectly sums up how Glore does sustainable business: committed, not afraid to ask questions and always looking to improve. You see, Bernd didn’t know he didn’t stock plastic-free socks. Until recently, when a customer pointed it out and Bernd picked up the phone to investigate.

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“I simply asked one of our suppliers why they don’t produce socks without plastic. He explained that it’s about the quality.” Since we can’t produce a sock to fit every unique foot, elastane is used to make them stretch. (The socks, not the feet.) Another supplier told Bernd they’re on the road to producing socks made from 100% hemp, but they’re not there yet. “So it’s not something I can fix immediately, but now I know a little more. And when it comes to plastic, you need a lot of knowledge to find the solution.”
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