Sytze van Stempvoort (linksonder), Bas van Wieringen en Lindy Hensen. Image: PeelPioneers
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PeelPioneers, a pioneer in recycling, is making a large-scale move toward Spain. The Dutch company, known for processing orange peels into valuable raw materials, is planning a plant in the Murcia region. The new site will be double the size of the Dutch facility. This initiative responds to the growing need for sustainable waste treatment and circular economy. Investors such as the European Investment Bank and the Dutch development bank FMO support the expansion. With this move, PeelPioneers provides for an annual processing of 30 million kilos of peels in Spain, bringing the circular economy closer to consumers.

From startup to circular leader

From its founding in 2016, PeelPioneers has emerged from a startup to a leading player in the circular economy. Their innovative process, which converts orange peels into oils and fibers, among other things, originated in the factory in Den Bosch. The plant opened its doors in 2021. Here, 30,000 kilograms of peels are processed every day, amounting to some 30 million kilograms per year. This success was made possible in part by the cooperation with Renewi, which handles the logistics surrounding the collection of peels.

Cooperation as the key to success

The new Spanish plant is the result of collaboration between several parties. Investors such as the European Investment Bank and the Dutch development bank FMO see the potential of PeelPioneers’ circular approach. The National Green Fund also contributed to the financing. The involvement of these financial institutions underlines confidence in the company’s sustainability mission.

Crowdfunding for further growth

To continue its growth, PeelPioneers is also turning to crowdfunding. To raise €4 million, the company offers interested parties the chance to invest from €250. This approach highlights the circular economy’s participatory spirit and allows investors to benefit financially from PeelPioneers’ growth.
Impact on the local community and environment

The expansion into Spain includes the construction of a larger plant and the appointment of a local team. This creates jobs and contributes to the local economy. In addition, its proximity to citrus cultivation reduces transportation costs and associated carbon emissions. PeelPioneers is thus an example of how businesses can contribute to economic and environmental benefits.

A look to the future

The success of PeelPioneers in the Netherlands and its planned expansion into Spain demonstrate the potential of circular business models. The company emphasizes that the inventions and innovations made in the Dutch laboratory and knowledge center are sufficient for expansion. This indicates that knowledge and technology are central to PeelPioneers’ growth strategy. As a result, the company is processing peels and spreading circular knowledge.