Turkey-based plastics manufacturer Modelsa Plastik has announced plans to post increased sales of its flagship product, plastic shoe boxes, this year, reports local daily Sabah.

The firm reported sales of 15m liras (€5.3m) for last year, and is aiming to increase its sales by more than 25% to 19m liras (€6.7m) in 2014, according to Abdullah Aydogan, the company’s chief executive.

"In Turkey, there are about 20 million households. Every household has 10 shoe boxes, which gives a total amount of some 200 million units,” Aydogan said. “It takes time for a product to gain widespread recognition … but over the past years, there has been increased demand [for plastic shoe boxes].”

Aydogan said that sanitary concerns over traditional cardboard shoe boxes are the leading force behind the increased demand for the company's flagship product. Plastic shoe boxes made by his firm are fitted with air ducts which increase the boxes' aeration and help combat athlete’s foot, according to the chief executive.

In addition to plastic shoe boxes, the Turkish manufacturer’s product portfolio includes various plastic chairs and tables.