PaperWise Finalist in the KVK Innovation Top 100

On November 22, the Chamber of Commerce announced that PaperWise has been included as a finalist in the 16th edition of the KVK Innovation Top 100. “PaperWise believes that paper can be much more sustainable. The paper industry has already taken many steps to reduce environmental impact by saving energy, water, chemicals, emissions, and waste. PaperWise goes a step further by also making the raw material sustainable, using agricultural waste for this purpose.” A panel of innovation experts revealed the selection from more than 330 entries for a listing in the annual KVK Innovation Top 100.

What does the KVK Innovation Top 100 entail?

Every year since 2007, KVK has presented the KVK Innovation Top 100, a showcase full of successful innovations from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The strength of the KVK Innovation Top 100 is to demonstrate what Dutch SMEs are capable of. No (monetary) prize is deliberately attached to the KVK Innovation Top 100. Over the past 15 years, this award has grown into the largest and most important innovation prize for SME companies in the Netherlands.

All nominations are assessed on their impact on the industry and society, originality, availability, realized turnover, and growth potential. Each time, an expert jury determines a new ranking. And every year, they are surprised anew by the diversity and quality of the entries. This year, the number one will naturally walk away with the greatest honor. It is a qualification that a company is at the forefront and operating innovatively within the industry.

It should be noted that this year’s KVK Innovation Top 100 is dedicated to sustainable innovations. Almost half, specifically 49 of the 100 nominated innovations, have a sustainable character. It is a wonderful initiative to highlight and encourage sustainable innovations in particular. KVK’s mission is to stimulate the growth of SME companies. Innovation is a key factor in this. The Netherlands has traditionally been known as a country of innovation. The culture of innovation has always served as an engine for economic progress and prosperity.

Why PaperWise is participating in the KVK Innovation Top 100

Innovation is one of the most important pillars for the survival of companies. Like the organizer KVK, PaperWise hopes that the Innovation Top 100 inspires entrepreneurs to pursue their own innovation plans. Innovation does not always have to be ‘rocket science’; innovating is within everyone’s reach.

In the year preceding the launch of PaperWise, his 6-year-old granddaughter asked: “Grandpa, if you use everything up, what will be left for us?”. The seed was planted for Peter van Rosmalen. The time was ripe for a revolution in the world of paper! This is how innovation also crossed the path of PaperWise founder Peter van Rosmalen.

Under the motto: “If I don’t change, why should you?”, Peter began his search for factories that were willing to upcycle agricultural waste into high-quality paper and paperboard for him. Van Rosmalen made the decision at the age of 55: he wanted to renew the paper industry with his own company. His previous employer in the packaging industry also wanted to become more sustainable, but it wasn’t moving fast enough for him. The paper revolution had to be set in motion, no matter what.

PaperWise provides a wide range of paper and paperboard for packaging and printing made from agricultural waste. These are the plant residues left over after the harvest of food crops. The environmental impact of PaperWise is 47% lower than paper from trees and 29% lower than recycled paper. Furthermore, PaperWise is CO2 neutral, fully recyclable, and reduces the unnecessary felling of trees. PaperWise is certified for direct food contact and certified for composting, both industrial EN 13432 and Home Composting.

Partner in innovation: Tapp.Online smart paper against E-waste

In PaperWise’s quest to leave the world a little more beautiful for future generations, PaperWise joins forces with like-minded companies, including partner Tapp.online. PaperWise is delighted to see that they are also in the final of the KVK Innovation Top 100 this year. But what does Tapp.online do and what is the role of PaperWise in this?

Tapp.online has developed an innovation called Smart Paper. Sensors in PaperWise packaging and labels measure and log temperature, humidity, shocks, oxygen levels, or anything else during global transport. To view the data, only a smartphone with an NFC reader is required. Special software, apps, cables, electricity, and batteries are completely unnecessary. This innovation makes data logging simple, affordable, recyclable, and prevents e-waste. Both the sender and receiver can very easily view and analyze all data simultaneously. Smart Paper helps companies provide insight into big data, save costs, improve information transfer, and reduce e-waste. Read all about Smart Paper.

Why do Tapp.Online and PaperWise choose each other?

Both PaperWise and Tapp.online believe in each other’s innovation and are of the opinion that they offer the market the best solution by working together in a synergistic manner. Solutions that contribute to a better world. By not burning agricultural waste but giving it value in the form of paper and paperboard, major steps forward are being taken in terms of the environment and prosperity. With the sensors in paperboard packaging and labels, costs are saved, information becomes accessible, and e-waste is prevented.

By joining forces, we can multiply the environmental benefit—a case of 1 + 1 = 3 or, as the English say, “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.” It is simultaneously encouraging and confirming that both innovations have now been honored with a nomination. We are therefore proud that we can participate together, side by side, in the KVK Innovation Top 100 of 2021.

May the best one win

Although both parties naturally want to win, this is not the main focus. It is purely about the most beautiful innovations produced by the Dutch business community—highlighting these companies and celebrating innovation in general. We therefore wish Tapp.online every success.

When are the results? And can I come and watch?

During the 16th edition of the KVK Innovation Top 100 on Wednesday, February 2, 2022, KVK will announce who will lead the 2021 ranking. Please save February 2 in your calendar.

It will be a completely online program, accessible to everyone free of charge. However, you must register in advance to attend the programs. There are two sessions you can participate in.

In the morning (12:30 PM – 3:00 PM):
energetic speakers provide proven tips and advice, former participants of the KVK Innovation Top 100 share their inspiring stories, and you will learn how to take practical steps yourself to continue innovating.

Then in the afternoon (3:00 PM – 6:30 PM):
KVK will announce the winner of the 16th edition! From 3:00 PM, they will present an online event. Through appealing examples of innovations from the past, present, and future, they show how Dutch entrepreneurs are doing business in an innovative way. Do you want to watch live to see who becomes the winner of the KVK Innovation Top 100 of 2021? Sign up and watch the exciting final live with us!