The total supplier for the GWW from Ochten, now also offers a circular clothing package

The high-quality corporate clothing, for example, is not only very comfortable but also very durable. At HKV Ochten, you can already turn to a circular collection. 

Attention

"In addition to governments increasingly steering for circularity and sustainability, we as a company have been working on this for years." So says Bert van Oomen, account manager at HKV Ochten. The company is a major player for the GWW, infra, transport and logistics sectors and maintains a high service level. "It's all about attention with us," continues Oomen. "Attention for the customer, the wearer of the clothing, the products and services we provide, but also for the future and the world around us. We are constantly working on sustainability and circularity." This is evidenced by the nearly 500 solar collectors on the premises that allow the company to fully
energy neutral.

Preserve where possible

"But it goes much further than just sustainable operations," Oomen continues. "We keep a close eye on developments in this area and from that perspective we look at what we ourselves can make even more sustainable. In addition, of course, the government is increasingly focusing on it." In the area of company clothing, Oomen observes, there is still much to be gained. "In this we would like to lead the way so we are working with several partners to look at a more sustainable way of producing clothing."

Circular clothing package

'We all want circular and sustainable,' says Oomen, 'but part of the complexity is in the numbers you need to get something produced sustainably. You need bulk, a number of parties rounding out the chain to get the process going. So the transition to circular corporate clothing is still on the eve. HKV, together with partners, is busy keeping a close eye on all developments; new initiatives follow each other in rapid succession. For example, we already have several circular items, such as a softshell, worker, polo and t-shirt." Oomen indicates that this assortment will be further expanded in the future. "Something produced from a sustainable idea will eventually become standard again."

A jacket made from PET bottles? Yes indeed!

Oomen explains that they recently gave the employees of Aannemingsbedrijf Schotgroep of Heerjansdam a new outfit. Within the clothing package they chose a softshell, (a jacket), made from old PET bottles. "The director found it so interesting that, from a circular idea, a circular made-up product was also created," he said.   

Keep innovating

"The key is to keep innovating," Oomen believes. "We do that within all sectors in our company. In our Advertising & Sign department, for example, there is the option of choosing PVC-free sticker foil made from recycled materials. And in the context of sustainable products and circularity in the field of road signs, we have entered into an exclusive partnership with OFN. We offer an RVV sign that is 100% circular at the product level and infinitely recyclable. The rice husk sign consists of 60% rice husk, 22% salt and 18% mineral oils. A very sustainable and good alternative to the current aluminum boards out there on the market," Oomen concludes.