Detergent manufacturer Seepje is constantly innovating and becoming more sustainable. This was also the case in 2016 when they were looking for new packaging for their launch at Albert Heijn. They wanted packaging that met high sustainability standards and was also versatile. Hordijk Spuitgiet Verpakkingen took up the challenge.
Seepje’s task was clear: make a bottle out of 97% recycled HDPE. Co-founder Jasper Gabrielse says: “At the end of 2016, this was not yet common in our market. Not even for Hordijk at first. This presented the necessary challenges, for example in terms of the consistency of the material and the shape of the packaging. Together with Hordijk, we are constantly looking for improvements and innovations in the production process. It is also important to us that the packaging is produced locally.
Sales Manager Bastiaan Koenen: “For example, we looked at determining the torque, the force with which the cap has to be tightened. We tested with other raw materials and looked for the weight limitations while maintaining functionality. We are a stock holder for Seepje. We produce several products for Seepje, so they can buy them mixed if they wish. We are also involved in the process as early as the drawing board stage.
“Seepje is considered a pioneer in the use of recycled HDPE for the packaging of detergents and cleaning products. The collaboration with Hordijk has led to a number of awards, but most importantly to tremendous growth.”
Jasper: “What is particularly important for us is that Hordijk thinks along with us as a small but fast-growing business. Especially when it comes to innovation. It’s great that Hordijk is fully involved. In addition, our growth is very difficult to predict. This demands flexibility from Hordijk. It’s great how they think along with us.
Because Seepje is growing so fast, the cooperation with Hordijk Spuitgiet Verpakkingen is all about continuous improvement. Jasper says: “Both parties have their expertise, from which we focus on innovation. Hordijk has the technical knowledge to optimise the production process. This creates a powerful interaction: we come up with problems and Hordijk thinks along with us.
Constant optimisation of the production process not only promotes speed, but also efficiency. Jasper: “And higher efficiency is very important for sustainability. It means less waste of materials and energy.
“Seepje is now available in 6,000 shops in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany with different product ranges. In 2021, we will have sold more than 2.5 million products. This means that we can scale up together and achieve even greater efficiency. The interaction with Hordijk is crucial to enable us to scale up quickly and easily. This year we are expecting significant growth again.