ICT Poland: workshop on feedback
In previous years, we dedicated a lot of time and commitment to developing a culture of respect at our company. We have now taken it to the next level and honed skills in sincere conversation, on both easy and challenging topics, applying the principles of mutual respect. For this purpose, we will use the capacity to offer feedback. This is important because through sincere conversation it is easier to establish and nurture relationships with others, in addition to creating a good work climate that undoubtedly affects the sense of safety and satisfaction in the workplace. To tackle such a challenge, in September and October this year we held workshops on “Providing feedback in line with the culture of respect”. These workshops involved all of the leaders of our organisation such as Managers, Foremen, Coordinators and Head Engineers. About 190 people in all.
The main objective of these workshops was to reflect on the current situation regarding feedback, creating a common position on the aim to pursue and learning a simple technique on how to give feedback. Due to the current Covid-19 pandemic, workshops were carried out in compliance with safety guidelines.
Online workshop for employees: Coping with anxiety and stress
Not everyone is able to face the situation of the pandemic that has been going on for months now. We go through various emotions: annoyance, worry, stress and even anxiety. For this reason the company has invited its employees to participate in a free online workshop “4 to cope with anxiety and stress” run by a known and esteemed psychologist: Wojciech Eichelberger. The course is presented as suggestions on how to deal with these difficult moments and exercises, that have proven to be effective over years of experience. To partake in the workshop you need to send your application in via e-mail. Those who have expressed their desire to participate in the workshops will get an access code and a link to the training course.
Help to water rescue service
We are committed to regularly helping local institutions and organisations. Local patriotism is one of the many principles underlying the actions of ICT Poland. Furthermore, Safety is our value.
Accordingly, by combining these two themes we have supported WOPR Kostrzyn (Volunteer Water Rescue Service) with the purchase of a VHF Radiophone. - The equipment that we have donated to the Kostrzyn unit has been installed on a new rescue craft. In this way communication between rescuers becomes easier and more efficient, providing a positive effect on the safety of the local community - states Michał Wrembel, General Manager of ICT Poland.
The device fulfils the high standards and is perfect for the unique conditions that are encountered during rescue operations in the water. It is waterproof, allowing rescuers on the ground to communicate with those on other craft, facilitating common activities. It is our hope that the device provides an excellent service to the rescuers and citizens of Kostrzyn.
The first Foxy fit 2020 run for employees was held!
This year the traditional event “Kostrzyńska Dziesiątka” [The Ten of Kostrzyn] was not held, but we did not give up.
More than 50 employees decided to participate in a unique initiative, i.e. the Foxy Fit Virtual Run. In fact, for many the virtual alternative was also a bit of a way to get back to normality in these strange times. With the Endomondo app we were able to connect regardless of the position and the distance that separated us. Each participant was rewarded: those who ran 5 km received an exclusive water bottle, and those who finished 10 km got a thermos. Participants were able to organise the Virtual Foxy Fit run differently and individually. During the weekend the weather was good for outdoor exercise. Route and time were chosen by the participants: some ran in groups, others ran the distance alone, while others chose to participate in recreational activities with their families or to run in the stadium. It is important that each of us had fun during the run!
Friday 25th September dedicated to sustainability
Today we join #FSCFriday, the international day of responsible forest management promoted by FSC©, which aims to raise awareness of the role of forests in everyday life.
Since years, ICT Group has chosen to be part of a responsible supply chain to contribute to preserving forests and promoting sustainable management activities, respecting the environment, people and forestry ecosystems.
Cellulose is one of the most sensitive materials we use in ICT and must be carefully managed throughout the supply management and production process; products bearing an FSC label guarantee consumers that the raw materials used come from responsibly managed forests, respecting high environmental, social and economic standards.
Onboarding online - new method for personnel training
After the pandemic, ICT Poland changed the training method for newly hired personnel. It is important that employees feel comfortable and have the opportunity to get an answer to all their questions. For this reason, the "Beginner" program takes place online on the first day of work. Training takes place in the conference rooms of the office building.
The trainers connect with employees via Skype, converse with them and use the presentation during their session. The whole programme lasts about eight hours and concerns safety, the QES (Quality and Safety) system, the GDPR, Lean manufacturing, as well as culture and organisation. New employees are also provided with the necessary teaching materials. The training course, like the structured one of traditional face-to-face meetings, introduces new employees to corporate life. All in complete safety.
The children’s dream day - competition for employees’ children
At the beginning of June we organised a competition for the children of our employees. The task was to prepare a drawing that described this day. We gave a set of magic crayons to each child who sent us their creation. We received no fewer than 126 applications! The winners were selected by voting on our Facebook profile in 3 age categories. In addition, the ICT Poland jury awarded 2 prizes in each category. Thank you all for taking part
We share our products - ICT Poland provides help during the pandemic
Throughout this particularly difficult period, we have supported and continue to support local institutions. We donated toilet paper, kitchen towels and tissues to all hospitals, nursing homes and other institutions in the area that are fighting on the front line against the epidemic. Among these: Provincial Hospital of Słubice, Independent Public Hospital Complex of Szczecin, Nursing Homes of Słubice, Tursk, Pyrzyce based in Żabów, Kamień Wielki. Our company also joined the Widzew Łódź fans initiative by providing help to the hospitals in Łódź.
In short, we delivered 765 pallets with disposable products made by us, for a total of 18 tonnes. We also shared over 10,000 protective face masks and 15 litres of disinfectant.
In addition, the company made a financial contribution to the Gorzów Wielkopolski Regional Hospital, aimed at fighting the epidemic - I’ve seen a lot in my life and I’ve had diverse experiences. However, the last few days have been extraordinary from this perspective. (...) I warmly thank you on behalf of our patients and our employees. This is real solidarity. I guarantee, on behalf of all the hospital staff, that we will not forget this gesture, and when we will be put to the test, we will be up to it - writes on his Facebook profile Robert Surowiec, the vice chairman of the Regional Hospital of Gorzów Wielkopolski.
Final victory for ICT in Europe on patent infringement case against ESSITY
Industrie Cartarie Tronchetti S.p.A (ICT), a Lucca-based company and leader in the category of high quality tissue paper products for domestic use, with subsidieries in Italy, Spain, Germany, France and Poland, is pleased with the now final decisions of the Paris Court of Appeal, the Higher Regional Court of Karlsruhe and the Barcelona Provincial Court dismissing Essity’s claims of patent infringement in regards to ICT’s three ply toilet paper. The company is also satisfied to have demonstrated beyond doubt that its Branded and Private Label products are produced based on its own proprietary process, and patented under European patent 2 353 859.
The Paris decision, which is the most recent, ends a long-running patent infringement litigation with Essity and affirms ICT can continue to produce and distribute absorbent paper based on its own proprietary technology. The three courts in France, Germany, and Spain, have confirmed ICT’s argumentation that it is using its own novel technology, also patented. Essity’s claims of infringement were based on a patent originally filed by Georgia Pacific, and subsequently becoming Essity’s.
The patent litigation began in 2016 when Essity sued ICT in France, Germany and Spain for the alleged infringement of its patent related to the technical solution for the bonding of three layers of tissue for paper products such as high quality, soft and bulky, toilet paper.
In France, Essity claimed that ICT had breached the French part of its European patent 1 081 284 and that the toilet paper marketed as Foxy Soie Plus, and also certain other Private Labels, all produced by ICT France, had infringed on their patent. Essity demanded that all production operations be halted. The rolls of toilet paper were carefully analysed and there were no findings of infringement. The two French courts in first instance and in appeal rejected the claims and additionally the courts have ordered that Essity pay compensation for the legal fees to ICT Italy and ICT France.
In Germany, the case was first taken to the Mannheim District Court, well reputed in patent matters. The lawsuit mainly focused on the complex questions regarding the construing of the claims of Essity’s patent. The court ruled in favour of ICT, and Essity filed an appeal. In May 2019, the Higher Regional Court of Karlsruhe also ruled that the German part of the patent 1 081 284 was not infringed by products marketed by the German subsidiary of ICT.
In Spain, after a first decision in favour of Essity at the lower court, the Barcelona Provincial Court clearly stated in a very well written appeal that ICT’s products, and in particular, Foxy Seda, Foxy Bouquet, certain Private Label product 3 Ply, were not infringing the Spanish part of the patent 1 081 284.
May 21st: World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development
Happy World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue & Development!
Cultural diversity is an important element for growth, at all levels.
It has many positive effects in the workplace: it provides more expertise, increases productivity, creativity and problem-solving skills, improves cultural knowledge whilst promoting innovation.
Our Greenfield Philosophy is also based on this.
The Body(in)work project
ICT Poland is committed to promoting sports initiatives and looks after the physical health of its employees. As part of the Foxy Fit programme, employees are divided into groups and are encouraged to spend time together doing activities such as jogging, football, cooking healthy meals, fitness classes, etc. Physical activity has also been introduced at the workplace. Two of our employees who are also fitness instructors, Kamila and Marta, launched the body(in)work programme – a short series of health-promoting exercises designed to loosen tense muscles, stimulate circulation and relax at work. The aim of the project is to give employees the opportunity to perform several exercises during work breaks to improve their psychological and physical well-being.
Marca 2020 Trade Fair
On the 15th and 16th of January, Bologna’s Exhibition Centre will host Marca, the only Italian event entirely devoted to commercial brands, where over 750 companies exhibit outstanding Italian Private Label products. Now at its 16th edition, Marca is a must-attend event for all Private Label professionals and market leaders. ICT Group will be there and looks forward to seeing you in Hall 36/Booth A32 – B31 to present its products.