Back to mainpage
FRANÇOIS OLSTHOORN
Division Director for Food, Retail, Industry & Services (FRIS)
‘We are active in an industry that is
often seen as not being sustainable.
However, the packaging industry certainly contributes to the sustainability of products.’
Balance
‘In everything we do, we always ask ourselves whether it can be more sustainable. We ensure we retain our knowledge so we can continue to lead the way as a proactive partner in sustainability. Sometimes we have to adjust our pace because we want to go fast, but that also involves risks. Our challenge is to find the right balance between environment, society and economy – that is true sustainability.’
Knowledge partner
‘We are not only a partner, but also a source of knowledge. We share valuable information across all our channels, from external messages to internal sessions. We participate in knowledge sessions, collaborate with chain partners, and sit down with clients to brainstorm the impact of new legislation with them. It’s great to be able to help our customers on their journey to more sustainable packaging.’
Reduce environmental impact of products
According to François, knowledge is also an important asset for reducing the impact of packaging, or scope 3 emissions.
He explains: ‘Measuring and reporting emissions is complex, but Paardekooper has a significant head start thanks to our sustainability team and The LCA Centre. This independent research laboratory helps us gain insight into the real environmental impact of our products, and to compare options for lower carbon emissions. As a result, we can help customers achieve targeted reductions and prepare them for future legislation.’
We do not shy away
from challenges:
we think sustainably and we act sustainably
Progressive
If it is not sustainable, make it sustainable. This sounds like an impossible challenge. ‘[One] that we at Paardekooper are tackling with both hands,’ responds François. ‘I am proud to be part of such a progressive organisation, and I personally find it important to contribute to a more beautiful and better world.’
Proactively making things more sustainable
‘Our priority is to actively help customers make their product range more sustainable, for example by using less material, switching to mono-material, introducing circular systems, or using innovative materials.
An example of this is our innovative approach to nano wrapping film, with which we have achieved material savings of 15-30 percent.’
‘We are active in an industry that is often seen as not being sustainable. However, the packaging industry certainly contributes to the sustainability of products, for example by extending shelf life and protecting products. This is precisely why it is so incredibly important to have a sustainability vision. It provides focus so we can reach our goal of providing sustainable packaging.’
These are the words of François Olsthoorn, Division Director for Food, Retail, Industry & Services (FRIS). This challenge and complexity is what particularly appeals to him about the organisation in which he has been working since June 2024.
