One of the greatest strengths of inDUfed is the diversity of its members. While we may operate in different companies, sectors and industries, we share many of the same challenges, ambitions and values. To help foster stronger connections across our network, we are pleased to launch a new recurring feature that shines a spotlight on one of our members in every edition.
Through a series of interviews, we will introduce you to CEOs, plant managers and other industry leaders from across the federation. These conversations offer a glimpse into their professional journeys, leadership perspectives and the businesses they represent, helping us get to know one another better and strengthen the ties that unite our community.
Our first interview is dedicated to our federation president Remco Maandag, CEO of Van Grasdorff.
“Sustainable packaging is about helping customers and consumers make better choices every day.”
Can you describe your company and its activities?
Van Grasdorff is a family-owned SME based in Sint-Amands. Every day, a team of passionate specialists produces sustainable folding carton packaging in all shapes and sizes, tailored to the needs of our customers. We already do so since 1934. All processes, printing, die-cutting, window patching, gluing, are done in-house using our broad and state of the art machine park. By keeping the entire production process under one roof, we can guarantee flexibility, quality, and reliability while continuously improving our sustainability performance.
Which products and sectors are most important for your business?
Our core product is folding carton board packaging. These packaging solutions are primarily used by the food manufacturers. They use our boxes to pack their chocolate, cookies and confectionery, frozen food, etc and supply it to the supermarkets. These producers require packaging that runs flawlessly on their automatic packaging lines and their markets demand packaging that not only protects the product but also communicates quality and sustainability to consumers at the point of sale.
What are the main challenges facing your organisation today?
The main challenges are 3 fold.
First priority is finding qualified and enthusiastic new colleagues, both for our production department and for our desk functions, where all customer and supplier contact takes place. While investing in a modern machine park is important, the real difference is made by the skilled and passionate colleagues operating those machines. The same goes for our prepress and order desk colleagues, who support our customers and suppliers and put a smile on their faces. Skilled and motivated people truly define the success of our organization.
Secondly, we must constantly adapt to changing legislation and regulatory requirements. The pace of new rules and compliance obligations continues to increase, requiring continuous attention and flexibility from our organisation.
Finally, we believe strongly in long-term partnerships. That means carefully selecting customers, suppliers, and partners who share our values and offer financial reliability. Strong and lasting relationships are essential to building a sustainable business.
What drives you in your work?
What motivates me most is knowing that our packaging helps both our customers and supermarket visitors make better choices every day. Packaging plays a key role in convenience, product protection, and sustainability. Being able to contribute positively to that decision-making process is what drives our team and myself forward.
How do you approach innovation?
For us, innovation and sustainability go hand in hand. We continuously look for ways to reduce material use without compromising quality or functionality. Sometimes this means improving the construction of a box, while in other cases it means eliminating an unnecessary packaging layer altogether. Small improvements can create significant environmental benefits when applied across large production volumes.
Which achievement are you most proud of?
I am most proud of the journey we have made over the past fifteen years. During that period, we have grown into a stable, reliable, and financially healthy organisation. Today, our colleagues, customers, and suppliers know they can depend on us, and that trust is one of our greatest achievements.
What does inDUfed mean to you?
For me, inDUfed is the driving force behind value creation in our sectors and the most important defender of our collective interests. By bringing companies together, representing the sector, and fostering dialogue on key industry challenges, inDUfed helps strengthen the future of the Belgian paper, board and glass industry.
