As you may be aware, Refork has been dedicated to providing sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics since its beginning. However, we must address a challenge that has impacted our profitability, one that we did not foresee but are committed to overcoming.
Unexpected Challenges
Following the European Union’s directive (EU 2019/904) adopted in 2019, which aimed to restrict the usage of single-use plastic products, we anticipated a shift in consumer behavior towards more environmentally friendly options. This directive, targeting items like cotton swabs, utensils, plates, and straws, was a step in the right direction to mitigate the environmental impact of plastic waste.
In the following years, each EU country implemented the directive into its law, enabling companies to search for loopholes in the directive, which they succeeded in doing. In response, various companies introduced products which they market as eco-friendly alternatives, with claims of reusability. Companies advertise such “washable” items as sustainable choices, offering a way to reduce single-use plastic consumption. However, in reality, many of these products hardly differ from their single-use counterparts. This poses a challenge to the effectiveness of the legislation. If you would like to learn more about this issue, you can visit our blog. The article discusses a large number of issues with the plastic washability claim.
This unforeseen loophole, exploited by larger companies, allowed them to market plastic products as “washable”. And enabled them to effectively bypass the intended purpose of the directive. Unfortunately, this practice has made it challenging for Refork to compete in the market. Despite our commitment to providing truly sustainable alternatives, the higher production costs and the availability of cheaper single-use plastic options have hindered our ability to generate profits.
We are indeed deeply sorry that we are not meeting your expectations as we set out at the very beginning. In the wake of this unexpected turn of events, we are preparing an initiative to raise awareness of these malpractices. We hope to instigate the kind of change that will really help. We will give you more information soon.
What Refork Does to Spread Awareness?
At Refork, we are committed to raising awareness about the environmental impact of single-use plastics and promoting sustainable alternatives. While legislative changes are essential, we believe that true progress requires collective action and a shift in consumer behavior.
To support this goal, we actively engage in negotiations in the Middle East to expand our product portfolio and offer sustainable alternatives to traditional plastic products. By partnering with Middle Eastern organizations, we aim to introduce our innovative solutions to new markets and promote sustainable practices across industries.
Additionally, we are exploring opportunities for expansion into the American market, where there is a growing demand for eco-friendly alternatives. Discussions are underway to establish partnerships and distribution channels that will enable us to reach a wider audience and drive positive change on a global scale.
As we continue to navigate these negotiations and expand our reach, we remain committed to our mission of reducing plastic waste and promoting a more sustainable future for all. Stay tuned for updates on our progress and ways to join our efforts. Together, we can make a difference and create a world where single-use plastics are a thing of the past.