“Why should we cut down trees when so much agricultural waste is available every year?” This question was posed by founder Peter van Rosmalen ten years ago. This powerful idea grew into PaperWise: paper and board made from agricultural waste for packaging, print, and copy paper. By preserving natural resources and combating climate change, PaperWise has made a significant contribution to the circular economy. This year, PaperWise celebrates a decade of innovation, sustainable impact, and remarkable milestones.
HOW DOES PAPERWISE MAKE A DIFFERENCE?
At PaperWise, it’s all about “Wise With Waste” – smartly dealing with what others see as waste. Together with customers, PaperWise has given over 15.9 million kilos of agricultural waste a second life over the past ten years. This means: 129,926 trees saved – equivalent to 2,684 football fields! Additionally, 23.9 million kilos of CO2 have been saved by not burning the waste, which is like driving around the Earth 5,610 times in a car. These results are not just numbers on paper, but tangible proof of what’s possible when we view waste as a valuable raw material.
SIGNIFICANT MILESTONES
PaperWise’s journey is filled with special moments. In 2016, founder Peter van Rosmalen was invited to lunch with King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima, in recognition of his contribution to sustainability. In 2018, Peter joined a trade mission to India with Prime Minister Mark Rutte to combat the open burning of agricultural waste. PaperWise played a prominent role at the Dubai World Expo in 2021, where millions of visitors used PaperWise tote bags, via partner Natural Bag. In 10 years, PaperWise has won more than 15 awards and nominations, including the German Design Award and the UK Packaging Award, a beautiful recognition of the impact in innovation and sustainability within the industry. Since 2024, PaperWise has also been a certified B Corp™.
WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD?
PaperWise is now active in 23 countries and has more than 3,500 end customers. The dream? That all children in school learn that paper is made from agricultural waste. PaperWise continues to innovate to make processes more sustainable and closer to its customers. Together with its partners, PaperWise shows that sustainability works. Every sheet of PaperWise paper tells a story of impact, innovation, and responsibility.
JOIN US!
You can make a difference too. By choosing PaperWise, you contribute to a future where waste is a valuable resource. Together, we make the world greener, smarter, and more sustainable. That’s what we call Wise With Waste…
READ the anniversary magazine
This blog highlights some of the milestones of the 10-year anniversary. But there’s more to read in the PaperWise anniversary magazine. Click here for more, and enjoy reading!
