Over the past decade, much talk has been made about a sustainable future – one that heeds science and makes strides to minimize the effects of climate change. In 2020, the Netherlands once again proved itself instrumental in moving the needle in this regard with an eco-friendly business environment focused on biodiversity.
Sustainable innovations such as the electric car sharing program at the Brainport Smart District, solar paneling that follows the sun, pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods and the fastest growing network of EV charging stations are propelling the Netherlands’ ambition to become a world leader in eco-friendliness.
In 2020, several companies began investing in the future of sustainability in the Netherlands, including Recycling Technologies. The company opened its first European plastic chemical recycling site at the Brightlands Chemelot Campus, looking to test and deploy its technology further throughout Europe. Plastics are notoriously difficult to recycle, but the company is eager to tap into the campus’ near 320,000 chemical industry professionals.
Bolt Threads, a U.S.-based biotech company specializing in sustainable leather alternatives, recently opened an office in Arnhem. The company’s proprietary Mylo material needed a supply chain that could keep their production prices low and quality consistent with genuine leather. The Netherlands’ commitment to sustainability allowed Bolt Threads to build a chain of partners conducive to their cost and quality goals.
PVH Europe, the fashion company that owns Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein, also installed the world’s most powerful solar roof in Venlo, the Netherlands. CEO of PVH Global, Martijn Hagman, told Fashion United that the company aims to reduce supply chain emissions by 30 percent before 2030.
The Dutch business climate is ripe for companies looking to make their foreign direct investment count around the world. Businesses that expand in the Netherlands will be ready for whatever the future may bring between strong Dutch innovation and collaboration across technology, life sciences, logistics and sustainability. Interested in doing business in the Netherlands? Contact us for more information about European expansion in the Netherlands.
